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GEX.  THOMAS  L.  KAXE 


HISTORY 


OF  THE 


U 


BUCKTAILS" 

KANE  RIFLE  REGIMENT  OF  THE  PENNSYLVANIA 
RESERVE  CORPS 

(13th  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  42nd   of  the  Line) 


PUBLISHED   BY  WILLIAM    H.  RAUCH,  HISTORIAN,  FOR  THE 
REGIMENTAL  ASSOCIATION 


BY 


O.    R.    HOWARD    THOMSON 

Librarian-in-Charge 
Wagner  Institute  Branch,  The  Free  Library  of  Philadelphia 


AND 


WILLIAM     H.    RAUCH 

Historian,    Regimental    Association    of    the   Bucktail   or    First   Rifle    Regi 
ment  of  the  P.  R.  V.  C.  and  Late  Orderly-Sergeant  Company  F 

WITH    A    DEDICATORY   NOTE    BY  THE 

HON.    EDWARD     A.    IRVIN 

Late  Lieutenant-Colonel 


UNIVERSITY] 

OF 

s\j^X 


s\j^X  PHILADELPHIA  : 

ELECTRIC    PRINTING    COMPANY 
1906 


,v. 


COPYRIGHT 

BY   WILLIAM    H.   RAUCH 
1906 


DEDICATION. 


Even  as  the  years  pass  away  to  unite  with  those  that  have 
gone  before,  so,  year  by  year,  the  men  who  wore  the  Bucktail 
in  their  caps  are  passing  to  join  their  comrades,  who,  before 
them,  have  entered  into  the  life  beyond  the  grave.  But,  before 
the  last  member  of  the  Bucktail  Regiment  shall  have  answered 
to  the  final  roll-call,  it  would  seem  fitting  that  a  record  of  its 
heroism  and  achievements  should  be  prepared,  so  that  the 
future  generations,  realizing  through  such  record,  the  love  and 
devotion  that  their  forefathers  bore  to  their  country,  may  be 
inspired  to  preserve  their  inheritance  intact,  and  transmit  it  pure 
and  unspotted  to  the  generations  that  shall  come  after  them. 
For  these  reasons,  it  has  come  about  that  a  "History  of  the 
Bucktails"  has  been  written,  and  as  the  only  surviving  field- 
officer,  I  have  been  accorded  the  privilege  of  dedicating  it  to 
the  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment,  and  to  the  perpetuation  of 
their  memories. 


138246 


PREFACE. 


The  collection  and  publication  of  the  records  of  a  thousand 
men,  who  banded  together,  placed  both  their  services  and  lives 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Government,  in  support  of  a  cause,  in  the 
justness  of  which  both  they  and  the  nation  believed,  apparently 
requires  no  further  justification  than  the  simple  statement  of 
their  heroism. 

Yet  the  issuance  of  a  history  of  the  Bucktails  has  perhaps 
a  greater  significance,  than  would  the  publication  of  histories 
of  many  other  regiments. 

In  the  suppression  of  the  Southern  rebellion  no  army  was 
given  a  harder  task  than  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  In  addition 
to  being  entrusted  with  the  defense  of  the  National  capital, 
another,  and  that  a  two-fold  labor,  was  laid  upon  its  shoulders : 
the  reduction  of  the  capital  set  up  by  the  seceding  States  and 
the  destruction  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia.  That  the 
successful  accomplishment  of  these  tasks  would  entail  the  col 
lapse  of  the  rebellion  was  believed,  a  judgment  that  was  proven 
correct  when  with  the  evacuation  of  Richmond  and  surrender 
of  General  Lee,  in  1865,  internecine  conflict  gave  way  to  peace. 

To  this  army  the  Bucktails  belonged.  More  than  that, 
they  were  one  of  the  thirteen  regiments  in  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserve  Corps,  an  organization  that  through  the  far-sighted 
ness  of  Governor  Curtin,  had  the  unique  distinction  of  being 
accepted  by  the  Government  as  a  division,  instead  of  as  a 
number  of  individual  regiments.  It  was  to  be  expected  that 


vi  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

thirteen  regiments,  enjoying  the  initial  advantage  of  being 
composed  of  picked  men,  fighting  together  throughout  their 
term  of  service,  should  through  the  mutual  understanding  and 
confidence  thus  engendered,  make  for  themselves  a  record  more 
easily  deciphered,  than  they  would  had  they  been  transferred 
from  division  to  division  or  from  one  army  to  another.  Nor 
were  the  expectations  entertained  in  regard  to  the  division  dis 
appointed.  It  won  for  the  Union  army  at  Dranesville  the  first 
victory  on  the  Potomac.  It  opened  the  Seven  Days'  battles 
upon  the  Peninsula,  fighting  unaided  against  tremendous  odds 
at  Mechanicsville,  and  holding  its  position  without  losing  one 
inch  of  ground.  At  Games'  Mill  its  several  regiments  were 
ordered,  one  after  another,  to  strengthen  the  Union  lines  in 
whatever  place  they  showed  signs  of  giving  way.  A  few  days 
later,  standing  astride  the  New  Market  Cross  Road,  it  beat 
back  the  attack  of  Lee,  who  strove  to  break  through  upon  the 
Union  flank.  Its  regiments  were  the  first  to  reach  Pope  when 
he  called  for  help,  and  seizing  the  height  commanding  the 
Warrenton  pike  retained  for  the  army  its  line  of  retreat.  It 
scaled  the  heights  of  South  Mountain  and  opened  the  battle  of 
Antietam ;  while  at  Fredericksburg  it  penetrated  the  Confeder 
ate  line  farther  than  any  other  troops.  At  Gettysburg,  when 
Sickles'  corps  gave  way  and  the  Union  troops  came  flying  up 
the  slopes  of  Little  Round  Top,  closely  pursued  by  the  Confed 
erates,  it,  by  a  brilliant  charge,  drove  back  the  enemy  and 
secured  the  possession  of  the  key  of  the  battle-field  to  the 
Union  army.  It  fought  through  the  bloody  campaigns  of  the 
Wilderness  and  Spottsylvania,  rounding  out  its  term  of  service 
by  bloodily  repulsing  Ewell's  corps  at  Bethesda  Church.  And 
to  the  other  twelve  regiments  of  this  division  that  achieved  so 
much,  the  Bucktails  held  a  peculiar  relationship.  They  were 
infantry  regiments,  the  Bucktails  a  rifle  regiment.  Composed 


PREFACE  vii 

of  men  for  the  most  part  from  the  mountainous  districts  of 
the  State,  and  used  to  the  handling  of  fire-arms  from  their  boy 
hood,  skirmish  duty  fell  to  their  lot,  either  for  the  whole 
division  or  the  brigade  to  which  they  were  attached. 

It  has  become  a  truism  that  the  study  of  a  nation  can  best 
be  pursued  by  the  study  of  the  individuals  composing  it;  and 
also  on  the  other  hand,  that  the  history  of  an  individual  is 
unintelligible  unless  his  relationship  to  his  tribe  or  clan  is  under 
stood,  and  the  effect  of  the  activities  of  this  tribe  or  clan  upon 
the  achievements  of  the  nation  appreciated.  It  might  not  be 
amiss  to  regard  the  army  as  the  nation,  the  division  as  the  tribe 
or  clan,  and  the  regiment  as  the  individual.  If  we  do  this,  not 
only  does  the  history  of  a  regiment  acquire  much  greater  justi 
fication  than  regimental  glorification ;  but  the  acceptance  of  the 
parallel  involves  the  recognition  of  the  fact  that  such  a  history 
must  detail,  not  only  the  movements  of  the  regiment  itself,  but 
also  those  of  the  division  and  army  to  which  it  was  attached. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  history,  it  has  been  borne  in  mind 
that  a  regiment  is  primarily  a  military  organization,  called  into 
being  for  military  purposes  and  given  military  tasks  to  perform. 
Hence  while  the  fact  that  it  has  also  a  social  life  and  existence 
cannot  be  denied,  and  while  the  propriety  of  portraying  that 
side  of  its  life  cannot  be  questioned,  it  appears  incontestable 
that  the  inclusion  of  a  too  great  amount  of  anecdotal  matter  can 
only  result  in  obscuring,  if  not  obliterating,  its  military  achieve 
ments.  To  a  regiment  which  participated  in  the  number  of 
campaigns,  skirmishes  and  battles  that  the  Bucktails  did,  this 
view  applies  with  even  greater  force  than  to  regiments  with  a 
less  extensive  military  history. 

The  authors  have  received  much  kind  help  in  the  shape  of 
letters,  diaries,  clippings,  &c.  Two  newspaper  histories,  one  pub 
lished  by  the  late  Captain  John  P.  Bard  in  the  "Curwensville 


viii  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

"Herald,"  and  one  by  Comrade  William  A.  Holland,  in  the 
"Newport  News,"  have  been  of  great  service,  as  has  also  the 
"History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  in  the  compila 
tion  of  which  Mr.  Justin  R.  Sypher  had  the  assistance  of  a 
manuscript  history  of  the  Bucktails,  written  by  the  late  Adju 
tant  Roger  Sherman.  The  frequent  references  to  the  Bucktails 
in  the  records  published  by  the  United  States  Government 
under  the  title  "The  War  of  the  Rebellion :  a  compilation  of  the 
"official  records  of  the  Union  and  Confederate  Armies,"  have 
enabled  the  authors  to  place  their  main  reliance  upon  an 
authoritative  source. 

The  kindness  of  the  following,  who  have  especially  assisted 
by  answering  inquiries  and  in  other  ways,  is  acknowledged : 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin,  Mrs.  Thomas  L.  Kane, 
Mrs.  Roy  Stone,  Major  Neri  B.  Kinsey,  Captain  William  T. 
Blanchard,  Captain  Thomas  B.  Lewis,  Lieutenant  R.  D.  Hall, 
Lieutenant  James  Dixon  West,  Chaplain  William  H.  D.  Hat- 
ton,  Honorable  W.  W.  Brown,  Sergeant  Jonathan  V.  Morgan, 
Sergeant  A.  A.  Van  Orsdale,  Corporal  Thomas  H.  Ryan, 
Corporal  Wallace  M.  Moore,  Corporal  E.  L.  Brookins,  Cor 
poral  C.  J.  Smith,  Comrade  Firmin  F.  Kirk,  Comrade  J.  A. 
Roman,  Comrade  William  A.  Holland,  Comrade  A.  D.  Baker, 
Comrade  Henry  C.  White,  Comrade  Thomas  Furlong. 

Thanks  are  also  particularly  due  to  Miss  Marion  V.  Smith 
for  her  help  in  the  tedious  work  of  preparing  the  muster  rolls, 
and  to  John  Thomson,  Esq.,  for  reading  the  final  proofs. 

A  list  of  the  principal  works  consulted  will  be  found  in  the 
appendix. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 

DEDICATION, {{{ 

PREFACE, v 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS, xi 

INTRODUCTION,  i 

GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION, 5 

CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE  STATE  SERVICE,        .        .        .        .41 

THE  WINTER  OF  1861 — 

INTO  THE  NATIONAL  SERVICE, 55 

DRANESVILLE, 72 

CAMP  PIERPONT, 82 

THE  PENINSULAR  CAMPAIGN — 

FROM  WASHINGTON  TO  WHITE  HOUSE,      .        .        .89 

MECHANICSVILLE, 96 

GAINES*  MILL, 112 

NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS, 122 

MALVERN    HILL,    HARRISON'S    LANDING,    AND    THE 
RICHMOND  PRISONS, 134 

KANE'S  BATTALION — 

THE  VALLEY  CAMPAIGN, 145 

CATLETT'S  STATION  AND  SECOND  BULL  RUN,      .        .168 


x  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BTJCKTAILS 

POPE'S  ARMY  of  VIRGINIA — 

GROVETON, 177 

SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN, 189 

THE  MARYLAND  CAMPAIGN — 

SOUTH  MOUNTAIN, 197 

ANTIETAM, 208 

BURNSIDE'S  CAMPAIGN — 

FROM  ANTIETAM  TO  FREDERICKSBURG,       .         .         .219 
FREDERICKSBURG, 227 

THE  PENNSYLVANIA  INVASION — 

IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON, 245 

GETTYSBURG, 258 

CENTREVILLE  AND  THE  MINE  RUN  CAMPAIGN,    .        .  277 

WITH  GRANT  TOWARDS  RICHMOND — 

THE  WILDERNESS, 287 

SPOTTSYLVANIA  COURT  HOUSE, 299 

NORTH  ANNA  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCH,      .         .        .311 

MUSTER  OUT, .  323 

APPENDIXES — 

"A"— MUSTER  ROLL, 335 

"B" — REGIMENTAL  ASSOCIATION,       ....  439 

"C"— SURVIVORS, 449 

"D" — PRINTED  SOURCES  CONSULTED,  ....  455 

INDEX  TO  NAMES  AND  PLACES, 457 


LIST     OF     ILLUSTRATIONS. 


GEN.  THOMAS  L.  KANE, Frontispiece 

COL.  CHARLES  J.  BIDDLE,    ....      To  face  page       5 

ORIGINAL  HANDBILL, 8 

SURGEON  S.  D.  FREEMAN, 36 

COL.  ALANSON  E.  NILES, 77 

GEN.  ROY  STONE, 89 

BATTLE  OF  HARRISONBURG — DEATH  OF  GEN.  ASHBY,        .  155 

COL.  EDWARD  A.  IRVIN, 205 

COL.  HUGH  W.  MCNEIL, 208 

COL.  CHARLES  F.  TAYLOR, 245 

BUCKTAIL  MONUMENT — GETTYSBURG,  PA.,       .         .         .  258 
COMPANY  F  AT  BRISTOE  STATION,  VA.,     ....  277 

GEN.  W.  Ross  HARTSHORNE, 287 

LIEUT.  DANIEL  BLETT — MAJ.  JOHN  A.  WOLFE — CAPT. 

ERNEST  WRIGHT, 324 

GROUP  OF  BUCKTAIL  SURVIVORS, 439 

THE  COLONEL  TAYLOR  MARKER — GETTYSBURG,  PA.,  .        .  445 


OF   TH£ 

VER8ITYJ 


HISTORY 


BUCKTAILS 


INTRODUCTION. 


An  astute  observer,  even  fifty  years  before  the  outbreak 
of  the  Civil  War,  could  have  certified  to  its  inevitableness.  The 
thoughts  and  ideas  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  sections  termed 
respectively  the  North  and  the  South  were  at  variance.  The 
fact  that  they  were  under  one  Government  made  it  necessary 
that,  sooner  or  later,  the  aspirations  of  one  must  to  a  greater  or 
lesser  extent  become  the  guiding  influence  of  the  other.  The 
climate,  the  mode  of  life  and  hereditary  influences  of  the  South 
erners,  all  prepossessed  them  towards  a  system  whose  founda 
tion  was  that  of  service  rendered  by  men  held  in  bondage;  a 
negro  slavery  which,  directed  by  the  intelligence  of  the  virile 
white  race,  should  develop  the  resources  of  the  country.  The 
Northerners,  descended  from  different  lines  of  ancestors,  felt 
such  service  to  be,  not  only  repulsive  to  their  sense  of  justice, 
but  inimical  to  the  true  interests  of  the  Republic.  The  assertion 
of  the  "Rights  of  Man"  in  the  Constitution,  made  the  retention 
of  slaves  by  States  subscribing  to  it  impossible,  excepting  by  a 
quibble,  and  the  disputes  in  the  Constitutional  Convention  bear 
witness  to  the  ancientness  of  the  controversy.  Later,  as  the 
Southern  States  came  to  believe  more  and  more  firmly  in  the 
necessity  of  slave  labor  as  a  necessary  factor  to  their  future 


2  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAII^S 

development,  the  dispute  increased  in  intensity.  Men  like 
Daniel  Webster  and  Henry  Clay,  in  an  endeavor  to  reduce 
friction  and  to  insure  the  retention  of  unity,  resorted  to  the 
expedient  of  compromise;  and  beneath  the  spell  of  their 
eloquence,  guided  by  their  intellectuality,  Congress,  in  1821, 
fathered  the  "Missouri  Compromise."  With  a  line  established 
north  of  which  slavery  could  not  exist,  the  Northerners  were 
content  to  wait  till  the  inevitable  progress  of  the  world  should 
result  in  the  abolition  of  slavery  in  the  territory  south  of  it. 
But  the  Northern  States  increased  in  prosperity  more  rapidly 
than  those  in  the  South,  and  the  latter,  fearing  that  they 
would  be  dominated  by  a  section  holding  views  hostile  to  their 
beliefs,  strove  to  increase  the  territory  in  which  they  could  put 
into  practice  the  views  they  held.  The  doctrine  of  nullification, 
or  State  rights,  added  fuel  to  the  fire.  Led  by  Calhoun,  the 
paramount  sovereignty  of  the  individual  States  was  proclaimed, 
and  the  right  of  such  States  to  annul  laws  passed  by  the 
National  Government,  if  against  their  interest,  asserted.  Upon 
this  ground,  in  1832,  South  Carolina  made  preparations  to 
resist  the  lawful  enactments  of  Congress,  and  it  became  neces 
sary  for  President  Jackson  to  order  United  States  troops  to 
move  to  that  State  to  enforce  the  laws. 

These  two  subjects  of  controversy,  slavery  and  State  sov 
ereignty,  grew  in  the  public  interest.  Regarding  themselves  as 
individual  States,  linked  together  by  a  treaty  for  mutual  advan 
tages,  the  Southern  States  believed  it  to  be  their  right  to  with 
draw  from  the  Union,  should  such  union  at  any  time  become 
obnoxious  to  them,  or  work  to  their  disadvantage. 

The  annexation  of  Texas  afforded  an  opportunity  to 
increase  the  slave  area,  and  the  Mexican  War,  inspired  by  the 
same  view,  quickly  followed.  Emboldened  by  these  successes, 
the  Southern  States,  regardless  of  previously  accepted  com- 


INTRODUCTION  3 

promises,  persevered  in  their  agitation  for  an  increase  in  the 
land  open  to  slave  holders,  till,  in  1850,  Congress  passed  another 
ineffectual  compromise. 

Then  the  country,  throughout  its  length  and  breadth, 
became  aware  of  the  crisis  with  which  it  was  confronted. 
While  in  the  North  the  abolitionists  declaimed  in  fiery  periods, 
their  statesmen  labored  to  prevent  the  impending  conflict.  The 
Southerners,  proudly  and  honestly  believing  in  the  justice  of 
their  position,  sought  out  of  the  turmoil  to  extract  some  advan 
tage.  With  the  attempted  enforcement  of  the  Fugitive  Slave 
law,  and  the  decision  in  the  Drecl  Scott  case,  the  breach  between 
the  two  sections  widened  and  reconciliation  became  impossible. 

Kansas,  torn  by  the  contending  parties  who  struggled  on 
her  soil,  became  virtually  the  seat  of  civil  war.  John  Brown 
marched  calmly  to  his  death,  confident  of  the  ultimate  victory 
of  his  cause.  Lincoln,  candidate  of  the  Republican  party,  was 
elected,  and  through  this  victory  at  the  polls  of  the  Northern 
people,  the  crisis  became  imminent.  Governor  Gist,  of  South 
Carolina,  without  waiting  for  the  inauguration  of  the  man  who, 
though  the  choice  of  the  people,  held  views  hostile  to  both 
State  supremacy  and  the  traffic  in  slaves,  issued  his  famous 
proclamation  that  it  might  become  the  duty  of  his  State  to 
resist  force  by  force,  and  advocated  the  organization  of  the 
State  militia.  On  December  I7th  the  State  legislature  met  and 
formally  passed  a  resolution  dissolving  the  Union,  till  then 
"subsisting  between  South  Carolina  and  other  States  under  the 
"name  of  United  States  of  America."  Mississippi,  Florida, 
Alabama,  Georgia,  Louisiana  and  Texas  followed  with  similar 
resolutions,  and  early  in  February  sent  delegates  to  a  convention 
which  formed  a  new  confederacy,  with  Jefferson  Davis  as 
President.  Thus  between  the  election  of  Lincoln  and  his 


4  HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 

inauguration,  while  Buchanan  still  held  office,  seven  states  had 
openly  announced  their  secession. 

President  Lincoln  was  inaugurated  upon  March  4th,  1861. 
In  his  address  he  stated  firmly  that  the  doctrine  of  the  right  to 
secede  was  erroneous  and  could  not  be  entertained.  That  it 
was  his  duty  "to  administer  the  present  Government  as  it  came 
"into  his  hands,  and  to  transmit  it  unimpaired  by  him  to  his 
"successor."  Yet  the  Southern  States,  possessing  the  majority 
of  the  military  officers  graduated  from  the  nation's  military 
schools,  armed  with  muskets  obtained  from  the  Northern 
arsenals,  and  proud  in  their  belief  of  the  justness  of  their  cause, 
hastened  to  throw  down  the  gauntlet.  Claiming  that  they  now 
constituted  a  new  nation,  and  that  the  presence  of  United  States 
troops  in  Fort  Sumter  was  a  military  occupation  of  territory, 
belonging  to  the  new  confederation,  by  a  foreign  power,  they 
demanded  that  the  Fort  be  evacuated.  Meeting  with  refusal, 
they  commenced  a  bombardment  on  April  1 2th,  which  forced 
the  Fort  to  capitulate  two  days  later. 

The  question  was  no  longer  confined  to  the  extension  or 
restriction  of  slavery.  Throughout  the  North  the  people  rose 
as  a  unit  to  resent  the  attack  upon  the  flag  which  was  their 
glory ;  to  save,  with  their  life's  blood  if  necessary,  the  integrity 
of  the  Union,  and  to  assert  with  such  power  that  it  should 
never  again  be  questioned,  the  supremacy  of  the  Nation  over  the 
individual  States  within  the  limits  of  the  Constitution. 


COL.  CHARLES  J.  BIDDLK 


GENESIS    AND    ORGANIZATION. 


In  October,  1860,  Andrew  Gregg  Curtin  had  been  elected 
Governor  of  Pennsylvania.  A  graduate  of  the  Law  School  at 
Dickinson  College,  he  had  entered  the  political  field  twenty  years 
previously.  He  had  supported  both  General  Harrison  and 
General  Taylor  in  the  campaigns  preceding  their  elections  to 
the  Presidency,  and  had  himself,  in  1855,  been  appointed  Secre 
tary  of  the  Commonwealth.  Influential  in  securing  the  nomina 
tion  of  Lincoln,  he  came  to  the  Gubernatorial  chair  as  the 
representative  of  no  uncertain  policy,  and  possessed  of  an  iron 
determination  to  see  that  that  policy  should  be  upheld. 

When  the  Southerners  fired  upon  Fort  Sumter,  Pennsyl 
vania,  with  Simon  Cameron  as  Secretary  of  War,  with 
Thaddeus  Stevens  bending  the  House  to  his  will,  and  with 
Governor  Curtin  occupying  the  Governor's  chair  at  home,  was 
in  a  position  to  assume  her  proper  position  as  one  of  the  bul 
warks  of  the  nation;  while  the  Governor  himself,  immediately 
proceeded  to  Washington  to  lend  to  the  deliberations  that  must 
ensue  the  benefit  of  his  counsel. 

In  the  State  itself  the  excitement  was  intense.  Almost 
uniformly  the  Northerners  had  refused  to  believe  that  the  South 
would  resort  to  force,  considering  its  belligerent  declarations  as 
mere  blusterings.  But  with  the  actual  insult  to  the  flag  the 
North  realized  that  force  must  be  met  by  force,  and  even  before 
President  Lincoln  issued  his  call  for  volunteers  the  temper  of 
the  people  had  begun  to  make  itself  felt. 

Thomas  Leiper  Kane,  a  resident  of  the  northern  part  of 

5 


6  HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 

the  State,  who  had  been  active  in  abolitionist  circles,  wrote 
to  Governor  Curtin  as  follows  : 

"Greenwood,  near  Philadelphia. 

"April  13,  1861,  afternoon. 
"H.  E.  ANDREW  G.  CURTIN, 
"Governor. 

"Dear  Sir  : 

"Taking  what  I  hear  in  connection  with  your  proclama- 
"  tion  —  which  has  my  approval  —  I  presume  you  will  soon  call 
"  out  the  militia,  neither  against  the  South  nor  against  the 
"  North,  but  for  Pennsylvania. 

"Should  this  be  your  purpose,  I  will  feel  personally  obliged 
"  by  your  giving  me  an  opportunity  to  serve.  In  the  present 
"  exigency  it  should  be  the  reverse  of  a  disqualification  that 
"  my  associations  and  sympathies  differ  from  your  own. 

"If  desired  by  you  I  can  raise  a  Company  of  McKean  and 
"  Elk  Counties—  of  horse. 

"Very  respectfully  and  truly, 
"Your  obedient  servant, 

"THOMAS  L. 


On  April  I5th,  President  Lincoln  issued  his  call  for  75,000 
men  for  three  months.  On  that  morning  Kane  again  placed 
his  services  at  the  disposal  of  the  Governor,  telegraphing  : 

"Philadelphia,  Monday  morning. 

"April  15,  1861. 
"  To  H.  E.  Andrew  G.  Curtin,  Governor,  Harrisburg. 

"Will  you  accept  a  Company  of  horse  to  be  raised  by  me 

1  The  majority  of  the  letters  and  despatches  here  giren  are  in  pos 
session  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  D.  Kane,  who  has  kindly  furnished  copies. 
Even  Colonel  Kane  hardly  realized  the  determination  of  the  Southern 
ers  at  this  time.  He  apparently  believed  that  the  mobilization  of  troops 
in  the  North  would  be  sufficient  to  quell  the  rebellion. 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  7 

"  in  Elk  and  McKean  Counties.  I  can  leave  to-night  and  bring 
"  down  my  men  in  a  week.  My  offer  of  service  is  uncondi- 
"  tional. 

"THOMAS  L.  KANE/' 

At  the  same  time  he  telegraphed  the  Hon.  J.  G.  Gordon 
and  S.  M.  Lawrence,  at  Harrisburg,  requesting  them  to  second 
his  offer. 

Kane's  telegram  was  forwarded  to  Governor  Curtin  at 
Washington,  and  the  same  day  he  received  the  following  reply: 

"Harrisburg,  April  15,  1861. 
"To  Thos.  L.   Kane. 

"Your  tender  of  the  services  of  the  Elk  and  McKean 
"County  Cavalry  is  accepted,  hold  yourself  in  readiness  to 
"march  on  short  notice.  Answer,  stating  number  of  men. 

"ELI  SuFER, 
"Secy.  Commonwealth." 

The  next  day,  however,  Kane  received  the  following  tele 
gram  : 

"Harrisburg,  April  16,  1861. 
"To  Thos.  L.   Kane. 

"The  Secretary  of  War  has  just  notified  the  department 
"that  none  but  Infantry  and  Riflemen  will  be  taken,  he  can 
"  receive  none  but  those  who  carry  muskets  or  rifles. 

"Eu  SUEER, 
"Secy.  Commonwealth." 

On  the  1 7th  Governor  Curtin  sent  the  following  despatch: 

"Harrisburg,  April  17,  1861. 
"  To  Thos.  L.  Kane, 
"Olean, 

"The   General   Government  want   Infantry   and   Riflemen 


8  HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 

"  and  refuse  to  accept  Cavalry — arms  and  equipments  will  be 
"  furnished  by  the  Government. 

"A.  G.  CURTIN." 

Kane  had,  upon  the  receipt  of  the  despatch  of  the  I5th, 
authorizing  him  to  raise  a  force,  started  for  the  northern  sec 
tion  of  the  State.  He  realized  by  this  time  that  war  was  almost 
inevitable,  and  determined  to  collect  men  of  the  type  required : 
men  used  to  taking  care  of  themselves,  accustomed  to  handling 
guns,  familiar  with  the  atmosphere  of  the  forests,  dogged  and 
determined  in  character,  and  possessed  of  strong  and  rugged 
physiques  through  their  outdoor  existence.  By  the  evening  of 
the  1 6th,  or  morning  of  the  I7th  of  April,  he  had  reached 
Smethport,  McKean  County,  a  scant  fifteen  miles  from  the 
northernmost  border  of  the  State,  and  there  he  issued  the  fol 
lowing  call : 

"VOLUNTEER  RIFLES ! 
"MARKSMAN  WANTED! 

"By  authority  of  Governor  Curtin,  a  company  will  be 
"  formed  this  week  of  citizens  of  McKean  and  Elk  Counties, 
"  who  are  prepared  to  take  up  arms  immediately,  to  support 
"  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  and  defend  the  com- 
"  monwealth  of  Pennsylvania.  I  am  authorized  to  accept  at 
"once  for  service,  any  man  who  will  bring  with  him  to  my 
"  headquarters  a  Rifle  which  he  knows  how  to  use. 

"Come  forward  Americans,  who  are  not  degenerate  from 
"  the  spirit  of  '76.  Come  forward  in  time  to  save  the  city  of 
"  Washington  from  capture — in  time  to  save  the  flag  of  the 
"  Union  there  from  being  humbled  as  it  has  been  at  Fort 
"Sumter. 

"THOMAS  L.  KANE. 
"  Smethport,  April  17,  1861. 

"Headquarters  at  the  Bennett  House,  Smethport.     Muster 


VOLUNTEER  RIFLES! 

MARKSMEN   WANTED! 
By  Authority  of  dlovcnior  <  iiriiii.  a  Com- 

pany  will  be  formed  this  week  of  citizens  of  McKean  and  Elk  Counties,  who 
are  prepared  to  take  up  arms  immediately,  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the 
"United  States  and  defend  the  commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania.  I  am  author 
ized  to  accept  at  once  for  service,  any  man  who  will  bring  in  with  him  to  my 
head  quarters  a  TUfle  which  he  knows  how  to  use. 

Come  forward  Americans,  who  are  not  degenerate  from  the  spirit  of  '76! 
Come  forward  in  time  to  save  the  city  of  Washington  from  capture — in  time  to 
save  the  flag  of  the  Union  there  from  being  humbled  as  it  has  been  at  Fort 
Sumpter. 

THOMAS  L  KAME. 

Smetkport,  .ipril  17,  1801. 

HF  Head  quarters  at  the  Bennett  House.  Smefhport.  Master  Roll  at  the  same  place,  and  questions  an 
swered.  Apply  without  further  notice. 

,:    -;     '•'   :•• 


ORIGINAL   HANDBILL 


AND  ORGANIZATION  9 

"  Roll  at  the  same  place,  and  questions  answered.     Apply  with- 
"out  further  notice/'1 

Kane  immediately  began  his  canvass  of  McKean,  Elk  and 
Cameron  Counties.  Selecting  his  lieutenants  for  the  work  of 
recruiting  with  admirable  discrimination,  he  established  his 
headquarters  in  Smethport,  while  his  messengers  on  horseback 
went  from  town  to  town  and  village  to  village,  till  from  these 
three  counties  three  companies  were  recruited  that  were  to 
form  the  nucleus  of  the  future  Bucktail  regiment. 

At  the  Court  House  at  Smethport,  on  the  evening  of  the 
1 8th,  at  a  meeting  presided  over  by  the  Hon.  B.  D.  Hamlin, 
Colonel  Kane  was  introduced  and  made  an  address  in  which 
he  reviewed  the  incidents  of  the  last  few  days,  read  the  procla 
mation  of  President  Lincoln  calling  for  volunteers,  and  an 
nounced  that  he  had  been  commissioned  by  Governor  Curtin 
to  raise  a  force  of  one  hundred  volunteers.  He  stated  his 
belief  that  the  organization  of  an  effective  force  was  the  best 
preventative  of  war,  and  his  hopes  that  the  rallying  of  the 
people  might  result  in  the  resumption  of  harmony  without  the 
shedding  of  fraternal  blood.  Suitable  resolutions  were  passed, 
looking  towards  the  support  of  the  projects  of  Colonel  Kane, 
and  the  latter  resumed  his  work  of  organizing  his  company. 

The  days  of  recruiting  were  full  of  incident  and  interest. 
The  first  man  enlisted  by  Colonel  Kane  seems  to  have  been 
Hiram  Woodruff,  and  as  others  followed  the  different  com 
panies  took  shape. 

The  men  from  Elk  County  formed  themselves  into  the 
"Elk  County  Rifles."  Kane  had  reached  Benezett,  in  the 
southern  portion  of  the  County,  on  April  i8th.  At  that  place 

1  This  notice  was  printed  at  Clean,  N.  Y.,  and  evidently  before  the 
telegram  from  Secretary  Slifer  in  regard  to  the  Government  furnishing 
muskets  reached  Kane. 


io  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAIL.S 

the  leading  lumberman  was  Mr.  Cobe  Winslow,  who,  with  the 
assistance  of  his  nephew,  Thomas  B.  Winslow,  and  John  A. 
Wolfe,  succeeded  in  gathering  together,  within  twenty-four 
hours  after  Colonel  Kane's  appearance  109  men  and  boys. 
These  men  came  from  the  lumber  camps,  chiefly  in  the  vicinity 
of  Ridgway  and  St.  Mary's,  and  were  notified  to  assemble  at 
Benezett,  which  they  did. 

In  Cameron  County,  John  A.  Eldred,  assisted  by  C.  H. 
Sage  and  A.  H.  Boynton,  with  headquarters  established  at  the 
Emporium  House,  was  laboring  to  collect  a  company,  and 
secured  amongst  his  first  recruits  William  B.  Jenkins,  Smith 
E.  Guthrie  and  George  Fine.  The  company  became  known  as 
the  "Cameron  County  Rifles,"  or  "Wild  Cats,"  and  the  citizens 
of  the  vicinity,  taking  pride  in  the  growing  organization,  did 
what  they  could  to  assist  in  the  work  of  recruiting,  Mr.  and 
Miss  Hitchcock  being  particularly  prominent  in  securing  and 
presenting  to  the  company  some  necessary  donations. 

The  men  from  McKean  County  formed  themselves  into 
the  "McKean  County  Rifles."  William  T.  Blanchard,  who, 
shortly  before,  while  assisting  in  the  promotion  and  construc 
tion  of  the  Bradford  and  Pittsburg  Railroad,  had  met  Colonel 
Kane,  was  in  New  York  on  the  i8th  of  April.  Aroused  by  the 
firing  upon  Fort  Sumter,  he,  in  company  with  James  Welch, 
of  Bradford,  McKean  County,  immediately  left  for  Bradford. 
Arriving  at  Bradford  on  the  evening  of  the  igth,  upon  leaving 
the  train,  Blanchard  found  a  crowd  of  persons  assembled  at 
the  station,  amongst  whom  was  James  M.  Blair,  the  Sheriff  of 
McKean  County,  who  bore  a  letter  addressed  to  him  from 
Colonel  Kane,  requesting  the  help  of  his  co-operation,  and  ex 
pressing  a  wish  that  he  sign  his  name  at  the  head  of  the  muster 
roll  of  the  company  to  be  raised  in  McKean  County.  Blanch 
ard  threw  himself  enthusiastically  into  the  work,  established 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  n 

his  headquarters  at  Bradford,  and  collecting  by  the  evening  of 
the  2ist,  34  men  went  with  them  to  Smethport.  At  the  latter 
place  he  found  that  Frank  Bell  and  Bruce  B.  Rice  had  collected 
22  more  men,  and  thus,  when  the  two  detachments  were  united, 
McKean  County  had  67  men  upon  her  roll. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  McKean  County  Rifles  at  Smeth 
port,  Kane  pressed  Blanchard  into  service  as  his  secretary,  and 
some  days  were  occupied  in  the  sending  and  receiving  of 
despatches.  The  men  in  the  three  companies  were  drawn  from 
sparsely  settled  districts,  practically  destitute  of  telegraphic 
connections,  and  Kane  could  only  get  or  keep  in  touch  with 
his  various  lieutenants  by  means  of  messengers  on  horseback. 

While  at  Smethport  the  insignia  by  which  the  future  regi 
ment  came  to  be  known  was  adopted.  Opposite  the  Court 
House,  where  Kane  had  his  headquarters,  was  a  butcher  shop, 
and  one  day  James  Landregan,  who  had  enlisted  in  the  McKean 
County  Rifles,  noticed  a  deer's  hide  hanging  outside.  Crossing 
the  street,  he  pulled  out  his  penknife,  cut  off  the  tail  and  stuck 
it  in  his  cap.  Upon  his  return  to  headquarters,  Kane  noticed 
his  headgear,  seized  upon  the  idea  suggested  and  instantly 
announced  that  the  force  he  was  recruiting  should  be  known 
as  "Bucktails."  Without  waiting  a  minute  all  who  were  around 
headquarters  rushed  over  to  the  butcher  shop,  knives  were  pro 
duced,  the  hide  cut  into  strips  resembling  tails,  and  the  strips 
mounted  in  the  caps  of  the  men. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  22nd  Kane  administered  the  oath 
required  by  the  Government  to  those  wrho  had  signed  the  mus 
ter  roll.  On  the  morning  of  the  23rd,  breakfast  was  served  at 
the  Bennett  House  at  6  A.  M.,  after  which  the  men  were  assem 
bled  in  the  Court  Room  to  receive  their  first  military  instruc 
tions  from  Kane.  At  8  A.  M.  they  were  marched  and  filed 
in  the  street  fronting  the  Bennett  House,  where  Kane  proposed 


12  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

three  cheers  for  the  Hon.  Byron  D.  Hamlin,  President  of  the 
first  Union  meeting  held  in  McKean  County  since  the  attempt 
to  dissolve  the  Union,  which  were  given  with  a  will.  Short 
appropriate  speeches  were  made  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Hamlin  and 
by  the  Hon.  N.  E.  Eldred,  of  Wayne  County,  after  which  three 
cheers  were  called  for  and  given  for  the  McKean  County  Rifles, 
three  for  Colonel  Kane  and  three  for  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
which  hung  in  front  of  the  hotel. 

About  9  A.  M.  the  command,  "Forward,  march,"  was  given. 
The  march  was  a  long  one.  The  column  headed  across  the 
mountains  to  Cameron  Station,  in  Cameron  County,  on  the 
Philadelphia  and  Erie  Railroad,  twenty-eight  miles  away. 
Each  man  carried  his  own  rifle,  ammunition,  and  a  coat  and  a 
blanket,  nor  did  the  organization  include  a  Quartermaster 
to  furnish  wagons  to  carry  extra  baggage.  At  Cameron  they 
found  the  Cameron  County  Rifles  drawn  up,  in  true  military 
style,  by  Captain  John  A.  Eldred,  waiting  to  receive  them. 
The  people  of  Cameron  had  also  turned  out  to  meet  them; 
torches  were  produced  and  the  line  came  to  a  halt  outside  of 
an  hotel  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  Colonel  Kane,  who  had 
secured  and  put  on  one  of  the  naval  coats,  with  brass  buttons, 
belonging  to  Dr.  Elisha  Kent  Kane,  now  mounted  an  old  dry 
goods  box  and  as  the  troops  came  to  a  standstill  they  presented 
arms  to  him.  Speeches  were  made,  patriotic  songs  sung  and 
anvil  cannons  fired.  Recruits  were  added  to  both  companies, 
while  the  townspeople  saw  to  it  that  none  went  hungry. 

On  the  morning  of  the  24th  the  march  was  resumed  to  the 
Sinnamahoning  Creek.  Shortly  before  the  creek  was  reached 
the  McKean  County  Rifles  were  presented  with  a  flag,  that  had 
been  made  by  hand.  Though  not  a  silk  one,  it  was  cherished 
as  the  first  flag  acquired  by  the  future  regiment.  At  the  creek 
the  two  companies  were  joined  by  the  Elk  County  Rifles,  who, 


AND  ORGANIZATION  13 


in  accordance  with  orders  received  by  them,  had  proceeded  to 
that  point,  and  also  by  a  few  men  from  Tioga  County,  who 
had  been  recruited  for  the  company  of  Alanson  E.  Niles,  the 
main  body  of  which  had  already  left  for  Harrisburg.  The 
three  companies  then  marched  to  Sackett's  Saw  Mills,  a  short 
distance  above  the  junction  of  the  Sinnamahoning  and  the  West 
Branch  of  the  Susquehanna. 

Here  Colonel  Kane  had  decided  to  purchase  lumber  and 
make  rafts  on  which  the  men  could  float  down  the  river  towards 
Harrisburg.  Each  man  contributed  to  the  buying  of  the  lum 
ber  according  to  his  resources,  nor  was  the  bill  light,  as  the 
lumber  company  did  not  permit  patriotism  to  interfere,  to  any 
great  extent,  with  its  business  interests. 

Four  rafts  were  constructed  of  rough  pine  boards,  16  feet 
long  x  10  inches  or  12  inches  wide  x  %  inch  thick.  Each  raft 
was  composed  of  six  platforms,  each  about  16  feet  square,  made 
of  six  layers  of  boards  laid  crosswise  and  fastened  together  with 
withes,  making  the  dimensions  of  each  raft  about  65  feet  x  16 
feet.  On  one  of  the  rafts  the  thickness  of  one  of  the  platforms 
was  increased  to  seven  layers,  and  on  this  platform  Colonel 
Kane's  horse,  "Old  Glencoe,"1  was  placed.  At  one  end  of  each 
of  the  rafts  a  large  sweep  or  rudder  was  also  constructed  to 
assist  the  steersman  in  guiding  the  raft. 

The  river  below  the  Sinnamahoning  Creek  passes  through 
gorges  and  canyons,  and  is  honeycombed  with  rapids,  the  cur 
rent  at  many  places  attaining  a  speed  of  ten  miles  an  hour. 
Boarding  the  rafts  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  three  hun 
dred  and  fifteen  men2  started  for  the  State  capital.  A  short 

1  Also  called  by  some  of  the  men  "Bob." 

2  At  this  late   day  it   is   extremely   difficult   to   ascertain   the   exact 
number  of  men  on  the  four  rafts,  but  the  figure  given  cannot  be  far 
from  the  actual  number. 


14  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

mast  was  erected  on  one  of  the  rafts.  To  it  was  attached  a 
flag,  and  the  top  of  the  mast  was  surmounted  by  a  buck- 
tail.  The  swiftness  of  the  current,  and  the  rocks  and  rapids 
of  the  river,  made  the  journey  a  memorable  one.  Despite 
the  experience  of  the  steersmen  and  their  knowledge  of  rafts- 
manship,  time  and  time  again  the  heavily  loaded  rafts  grounded 
on  rocks,  compelling  the  men  to  slip  overboard  into  the  cold 
water  and  by  sheer  strength  lift  the  rafts  over  the  obstruc 
tions.  Towards  sunset,  some  four  miles  above  Rattlesnake 
Falls,  in  deep  water,  the  four  rafts  were  massed  together  and 
the  Bucktails,  though  soaked  to  the  skin,  thankful  that  they 
had  succeeded  in  shooting  the  rapids,  celebrated  the  event  by 
singing  with  all  their  power  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner."  At 
Rattlesnake  Falls  a  stop  was  made  for  the  night,  the  people  of 
the  place  doing  everything  within  their  power  to  provide  shel 
ter.  The  next  morning  the  Bucktails  were  carried  on  the  rail 
road  to  Lock  Haven. 

While  Kane  was  thus  proceeding  towards  Harrisburg, 
Governor  Curtin  was  experiencing  difficulty  in  arranging  for 
the  acceptance  and  organization  of  the  various  bodies  of  men 
placed  at  his  disposal.  First  he  was  called  on  by  the  Govern 
ment  for  sixteen  regiments,  then  the  State's  quota  was  reduced 
to  fourteen.  On  April  26th  Major-General  Patterson  called 
on  him  for  twenty-five  additional  regiments  of  infantry  and  one 
of  cavalry,  but  on  the  3Oth  Major  Porter  ordered  that  the  mus 
tering  in  of  troops  in  Pennsylvania  be  discontinued,  as  the 
State's  quota  had  been  exceeded1  and  General  Patterson's  requi 
sition  was  countermanded.  The  Governor,  who  had  already 
called  a  session  of  the  Legislature,  realizing  that  though  the 

xBy  the  3Oth  of  April  Governor  Curtin  had  succeeded  in  having 
twenty-four  regiments  mustered  into  the  U.  S.  service  exclusive  of  the 
Scott  Legion  of  Philadelphia. 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  15 

Government  would  not  then  accept  the  men  offered,  it  would 
shortly  be  in  the  most  urgent  need  of  them,  sent  a  message  to 
the  Legislature  on  April  3Oth,  recommending  the  organization 
of  fifteen  regiments  of  cavalry  and  infantry,  exclusive  of  those 
called  into  the  service  of  the  United  States.  Still  corresponding 
with  the  Government,  the  Governor,  on  May  2nd,  again  ad 
dressed  the  Legislature,  urging  it  to  authorize  and  provide  for 
the  organization  of  the  fifteen  regiments  recommended  by  him 
in  his  message  of  April  3Oth.  An  act  in  accordance  with  his 
views  was  drawn  up,  passed,  and  signed  by  him  on  May  I5th. 
This  act  authorized  the  creation  of  a  Reserve  Volunteer  Corps 
to  consist  of  thirteen  regiments  of  infantry,  one  regiment  of 
cavalry  and  one  regiment  of  light  artillery,  which  should  be 
armed,  equipped,  clothed,  disciplined,  governed  and  officered  in 
the  same  manner  as  similar  troops  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States.  The  troops  were  to  be  enlisted  in  the  service  of  the 
State  for  a  period  not  exceeding  three  years  or  the  war,  and 
were  to  be  liable  to  be  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United 
States  at  such  times  as  requisitions  on  the  State  might  be  made 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States.  To  the  various  regi 
ments  and  companies  composing  the  corps  was  given  the  power 
to  elect  their  own  officers,  to  whom  the  Governor  was  to  issue 
commissions. 

But  the  number  of  troops  offered  the  Governor  largely 
exceeded  the  number  he  could  accept,  even  with  the  passage 
of  his  bill.  Hence  he  was  compelled  to  endeavor  to  stop  the 
influx  of  troops.  Some  attempt  was  made  to  stop  Colonel 
Kane  and  his  Bucktails  on  their  journey,  but  through  the  con 
nivance  of  General  Jackman,  of  the  militia,  the  message  was 
not  delivered.  The  Hon.  L.  A.  Mackey,  of  Lock  Haven,  also 
interested  himself  in  the  matter  of  their  acceptance,  and  when 
transportation  was  refused  by  the  authorities,  he  signed  a  check 


16  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

for  $480,  the  value  of  the  desired  transportation  at  Government 
rates.1 

On  the  3Oth,  Governor  Curtin  telegraphed : 

"Harrisburg,  April  3Oth. 
"  To  Colonel  Kane. 

"We  can  only  [accept]  two  companies  of  seventy-seven 
"men  each  come  via  Northern  Central  Railroad  to  Harris- 
"  burg.  Telegraph  me  what  time  you  will  leave  that  place 

"  that  we  may  provide  for  you. 

"A.  G.  CURTIN." 

Wrangling  ensued.  The  Bucktails  were  determined  to 
be  accepted.  They  proceeded  as  far  as  Sunbury,2  from  which 
place,  after  some  days'  delay,  transportation  for  the  entire  body 
of  men  was  furnished  in  the  shape  of  cattle  cars.  Elated  with 
overcoming  the  obstacles  that  had  menaced  them,  they  arrived 
in  Harrisburg  on  Sunday,  May  4th.  The  Commander  of  the 
Post  at  Camp  Curtin  ordered  a  band  of  music  to  meet  them, 
and  with  this  band  playing  and  the  flag  of  the  McKean  County 
Rifles  flying,  the  Bucktails  marched  to  the  place  assigned  to 
them. 

At  Harrisburg  things  were  in  a  chaotic  state.  The  mus 
tering  in  of  troops  had  been  stopped  and  the  bill  creating  the 
Reserve  Corps  had  not  been  passed.  Various  bodies  of  troops 
were  camped  around  Harrisburg,  others  had  been  stopped  half 
way  between  their  homes  and  the  capital,  and  still  others  re 
mained  in  the  towns  in  which  they  were  recruited. 

On  May  6th  Kane  was  notified,  by  the  Hon.  Samuel  M. 

1When  the  matter  was  straightened  out  the  State  returned  the 
check. 

2  At  this  place  the  McKean  County  Rifles  elected  their  officers. 
The  officers  thus  elected  will  be  named  when  recording  the  regimental 
organization. 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  17 

Lawrence,  that  arrangements  had  been  made  to  muster  in 
his  three  companies  as  the  Seventeenth  regiment,  but  almost 
immediately  it  was  found  that  a  Seventeenth  regiment  had  been 
mustered  in  at  Philadelphia,  rendering  such  action  impossible. 
Kane,  who  was  determined  to  be  in  the  service  in  some  capac 
ity,  succeeded  in  getting  himself  mustered  in  as  a  private  on 
May  I2th,  after  which  he  resumed  his  efforts  to  obtain  the 
acceptance  of  his  men. 

When  Governor  Curtin  signed  the  bill  calling  the  Reserve 
Corps  into  existence,  he  at  the  same  time  appointed  George 
Archibald  McCall1  Major-General  of  it,  and  the  latter  speedily 
brought  order  out  of  the  turmoil.  By  the  end  of  May  the 
majority  of  the  troops  destined  for  the  Reserve  Corps  had  been 
mustered  into  the  State  service.  The  grouping  of  the  various 
companies  into  regiments  was  next  undertaken.  By  the  early 
part  of  June  it  had  been  decided  that  one  of  the  thirteen  regi 
ments  of  infantry  of  the  Reserve  Corps  should  be  a  rifle  regi 
ment,  and  in  this  regiment  the  companies  of  expert  marksmen 
were  anxious  to  enlist.  Colonel  Kane,  as  the  organizer  of 
three  companies  of  men  from  the  wild-cat  regions,  was  natu 
rally  looked  upon  as  the  person  around  whom  it  was  proper  to 
rally,  and  the  following  petition  was  presented  to  Major-Gen- 
eral  McCall : 

1  General  McCall  was  a  graduate  of  West  Point.  He  was  born  in 
1802,  graduated  in  1822,  served  on  Major-General  Games'  staff  till  1836, 
when  he  was  promoted  to  Captain  in  the  4th  U.  S.  Infantry.  He  served 
against  the  Indians  in  Florida,  and  was  recommended  by  General  Worth 
for  the  brevet  of  Major  "for  gallant  conduct  at  Pelalicaha."  He  then 
served  under  General  Taylor  in  the  Mexican  War  and  received  the 
brevets  of  Major  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  "  for  gallant  and  distinguished 
"services  in  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma."  In 
1850  he  was  appointed  Inspector  General,  U.  S.  A.,  with  rank  of  Col 
onel,  but  owing  to  ill  health  resigned  in  1853,  and  resided  at  West  Ches 
ter  till  called  upon  by  Governor  Curtin. 

3 


i8  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

"The  undersigned,  captains  of  companies  now  in  Camp 
"Curtin,  present  their  respects  to  Major-General  M'Call,  con- 
"  gratulating  the  army  of  Pennsylvania  upon  being  placed 
"  under  such  a  commander.  They  beg  not  to  be  supposed 
"desirous  of  interfering  with  Major-General  M'Call's  discre- 
"  tion  in  expressing  a  desire  to  have  their  companies  united  to 
"form  one  regiment  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Thomas  L. 
"Kane.  They  are  assured  that  their  men  are  peculiarly  qualified 
"to  serve  efficiently  in  a  regiment  of  rifles  under  Colonel  Kane, 
"  being,  with  few  exceptions,  men  of  extremely  hardy  habits, 
"  and  trained  from  boyhood  to  the  use  of  arms. 

"Captains  PHILIP  HOLLAND, 
"  JULIUS  SHERWOOD, 
"  GEORGE  B.  OVERTON, 
"JOHN  A.  ELDRED, 
"  WILLIAM  T.  BLANCHARD, 
"HUGH  M'DoNALD, 
"  E.  A.  IRVIN, 
"  ROY  STONE, 
"A.  E.  NILES/" 

By  June  I2th  the  regiment  was  organized  as  follows: 

COMPANY  A.     "Anderson  Life  Guards." 

The  Anderson  Life  Guards  were  recruited  in  Tioga 
County,  chiefly  from  Westfield,  Knoxville,  Deerfield,  Osceola, 
Elkland,  Nelson,  Farmington  and  Lawrenceville,  the  headquar 
ters  being  established  at  the  latter  place  in  Russling's  Hall. 
Though  recruiting  commenced  shortly  after  the  firing  on  Fort 
Sumter,  it  did  not  close  till  May  28th.  The  men  were  for  the 
most  part  lumbermen  and  mountaineers.  The  most  prominent 
in  the  work  were  Philip  Holland,  who,  with  a  Volunteer  Fire 
Company  that  he  had  organized,  enlisted,  John  G.  Harrower 

1  "Patriot  and  Union,"  Harrisburg,  June  13,  1861. 


AND  ORGANIZATION  19 


and  Neri  B.  Kinsey.  Though  a  small  detachment  left  for  Har- 
risburg  in  April,  the  majority  did  not  start  till  the  28th  of  May, 
when  in  lumber  wagons  and  carriages  they  left  Elkland  for 
Lawrenceville.  From  the  latter  place  they  were  carried  by  rail, 
via  Elmira  and  Williamsport,  to  Harrisburg,  arriving  at  the 
latter  point  at  2  A.  M.  on  May  3Oth,  1861. 

The  following  company  officers  were  elected  : 

Captain   ..................  Philip  Holland1 

First-Lieutenant  .........  John  G.  Harrower 

Second-Lieutenant  .........  Neri  B.  Kinsey 

COMPANY  B.     "Morgan  Rifles." 

The  Morgan  Rifles  were  recruited  in  Perry  County.  Head 
quarters  were  established  partly  at  the  Duncannon  Iron  Com 
pany's  warehouse,  and  partly  in  front  of  the  Topley  Hotel, 
almost  simultaneously  with  the  attack  on  Fort  Sumter.  Upon 
the  first  day  thirty  names  were  secured,  among  them  being 
Langhorne  Wister,  William  Allison,  Thomas  Belton,  John  H. 
Mutzabaugh  and  John  W.  Mutzabaugh.  The  citizens  of  the 

1  Philip  Holland  was  born  in  Cloghjordan,  Tipperary  County,  Ire 
land,  on  Februaty  22,  1836.  With  his  family  he  emigrated  to  the  United 
States  while  still  a  youth,  and  lived  for  a  time  in  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  was  educated  and  where  he  organized  a  Volunteer  Fire  Company  of 
which  he  was  elected  Chief.  At  Elmira  he  also  engaged  in  mercantile 
business.  Shortly  before  the  war  he  removed  to  Lawrenceville,  Pa.,  or 
ganizing  another  Volunteer  Fire  Company  at  that  place,  which  enlisted 
and  became  Company  A,  of  the  Bucktails,  and  of  which  he  was  elected 
Captain.  He  commanded  his  company  at  Dranesville,  Mechanicsville, 
Games'  Mill,  and  New  Market  Cross  Roads.  At  Games'  Mill  he 
elicited  the  most  favorable  comments  from  Major  Stone  for  his  skill 
and  bravery;  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  while  bravely  endeavoring 
to  rally  the  disordered  troops  he  was  killed. 

Up  to  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  a  correspondent  of  the  "Tioga 
"County  Agitator,"  his  articles  appearing  over  the  signature  of  "Colonel 
"Crockett."  Since  his  death  a  "Phil  Holland"  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  has  been 
established  in  his  honor. 


20  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

vicinity,  without  exception,  vied  with  each  other  in  lending 
their  assistance,  among  the  most  active  being  W.  W.  Dickenson, 
Major  Joseph  Dunbar  and  John  Wister,  while  the  women 
donated  haverlocks  and  haversacks.  On  May  27th,  in  the 
presence  of  their  townsmen,  after  hearing  a  sermon  by  the  Rev. 
Daniel  Hartman  in  the  Methodist  Church,  the  men  were  put 
upon  railroad  cars  and  carried  to  Harrisburg. 

Their  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows : 

Captain Langhorne  Wister1 

First-Lieutenant John  A.  Culp 

Second-Lieutenant   Thomas  Belton 

1  Langhorne  Wister  was  born  at  "Belfield,"  near  Germantown, 
Philadelphia,  September  20,  1834.  He  was  educated  at  Germantown 
Academy  and  shortly  after  completing  his  studies  entered  the  employ  of 
the  Duncannon  Iron  Company,  Perry  County,  Pa.  Upon  the  out 
break  of  the  war,  a  company  being  formed  at  Duncannon,  he  accepted 
its  Captaincy,  and  with  it  entered  the  service  at  Harrisburg,  as  Company 
B,  of  the  Bucktails.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  early  campaigns  of 
the  regiment  and  was  slightly  wounded  at  Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862, 
but  remained  in  the  field.  Upon  the  close  of  the  Peninsular  campaign  he 
in  company  with  Major  Roy  Stone,  returned  to  Pennsylvania  on  re 
cruiting  service,  the  enrollment  of  an  entire  Bucktail  brigade  be 
ing  contemplated.  Owing  to  the  scarcity  of  time,  when  two  regiments 
had  been  recruited,  this  idea  was  abandoned,  Wister  being  elected  Col 
onel  of  one,  the  150th,  and  Stone  the  Colonel  of  the  other,  the  I49th; 
Colonel  Wister's  promotion  bearing  date  September  5,  1862.  The  isoth 
took  but  slight  part  in  the  Chancellorsville  campaign,  but  at  Gettysburg 
with  the  other  regiments  of  its  brigade  fought  bravely  and  desperately. 
Colonel  Wister  on  July  i,  after  the  wounding  of  Colonel  Stone,  succeeded 
to  the  command  of  the  brigade.  Later  in  the  day  he  himself  was 
wounded  in  the  face,  but,  though  compelled  to  retire  from  the  com 
mand,  he  remained  upon  the  field,  where  his  presence  did  much  to  ani 
mate  the  troops.  After  a  short  leave  of  absence,  granted  on  account  of 
his  wound,  he  returned  and  resumed  command  of  the  brigade,  but 
resigned  February  22,  1864,  and  on  March  13,  1865,  was  brevetted  Briga 
dier-General,  U.  S.  Vols.,  "for  distinguished  gallantry  at  the  battle  of 
"Gettysburg,  Pa. ;  also  for  gallant  conduct  at  the  battles  of  Fredericks- 
"burg  and  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  and  for  meritorious  services  during 
"the  war." 


AND  ORGANIZATION  21 


COMPANY  C.    "Cameron  County  Rifles." 

The  Cameron  County  Rifles  formed  one  of  the  three  regi 
ments  recruited  by  Colonel  Kane  and  came  with  him  down  the 
Susquehanna  to  Lock  Haven. 

The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain  ..................  John  A.  Eldred1 

First-Lieutenant  ............  W.  B.  Jenkins 

Second-Lieutenant  .......  Robert  B.  Warner 

COMPANY  D.     "Raftsman  Guards." 

The  Raftsman  Guards  were  organized  at  Warren,  Pa.,  on 
April  28th,  1861,  Roy  Stone  being  one  of  the  most  energetic  in 
collecting  the  men  who  enlisted.  Its  members  came  from  the 
lumber  districts  and  were  similar  in  general  character  to  those 
recruited  by  Colonel  Kane  from  Cameron,  Elk  and  McKean 
Counties  ;  hardy  mountaineers,  trained  to  the  use  of  rifles  since 
their  childhood.  While  waiting  at  Warren,  endeavoring  to 
get  the  State  to  accept  them,  the  citizens  contributed  to  their 
sustenance,  and  Stone  furnished  lumber,  out  of  which  the  men 
constructed  twelve  boats,  each  capable  of  carrying  ten  men 

Upon  returning  to  civil  life  he  engaged  in  the  iron  business  at 
Duncannon  and  Philadelphia,  continuing  in  that  occupation  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  March  19,  1891,  at  Philadelphia.  He  was  never 
married. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Military  Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion,  Alli 
son  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  etc. 

xjohn  A.  Eldred  was  born  February,  1825,  at  Milford,  Pike  Co., 
Pa.,  at  which  place  he  was  educated.  Upon  attaining  manhood  he  fol 
lowed  the  lumberman's  calling,  but  when,  in  1861,  upon  the  outbreak  of 
the  war,  Colonel  Kane  commenced  recruiting  a  regiment  from  the  lum 
bermen  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State,  he  enlisted  and  was  elected 
Captain  of  Company  C.  Owing  to  rheumatism,  which  was  too  severe 
to  permit  him  to  perform  his  duties,  he  was  compelled  to  resign  on 
September  10,  1861.  Subsequently  to  the  war  he  resumed  the  occupa 
tion  previously  followed  by  him. 


22  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

with  their  equipments.  At  the  same  time  the  men  were  drilled 
and  supplied  with  uniforms  (dark  blue  fatigue),  but  they  car 
ried  their  own  hunting  rifles.  Receiving  a  despatch  from  the 
Governor,  which  assured  the  acceptance  of  the  company,  Stone 
embarked  his  men  on  the  boats  prepared.  Four  days  were 
spent  in  rowing  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles  down 
the  Allegheny  River,  and  on  May  23rd,  the  company  arrived  at 
Pittsburg.  As  information  had  been  received  from  the  Gov 
ernor  that  but  77  men  could  be  accepted,  though  the  company 
had  been  recruited  up  to  the  full  strength  of  101  men,  Stone 
then  communicated  with  Colonel  Kane,  expressing  satisfaction 
that  the  Raftsman  Guards  had  been  assigned  to  Kane's  regi 
ment,  but  suggesting  that  he  be  permitted  to  bring  his  entire 
company  to  Harrisburg,  as  should  the  Reserve  Corps  be  mus 
tered  into  the  national  service  the  entire  number  would  be  re 
quired.  On  the  28th  the  company  boarded  the  railroad  cars, 
arriving  in  Harrisburg  the  next  morning,  where,  after  obtain 
ing  coffee  and  something  to  eat,  the  men  marched  to  Camp 
Curtin. 

The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows : 

Captain   Roy  Stone1 

First-Lieutenant Hugh  W.  McNeil 

Second-Lieutenant John  T.  A.  Jewett 

1  Roy  Stone  was  born  at  Plattsburg,  N.  Y.,  October  16,  1836.  He  was 
educated  at  Union  College,  but  during  his  early  manhood  removed 
to  Warren,  Pa.,  where  he  resided  till  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  and 
where,  upon  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  in  a  manner  similar  to  that  pur 
sued  by  General  Kane,  he  organized  a  company  of  hardy  mountaineers 
and  lumbermen,  known  as  the  "Raftsman  Guards,"  which  became  Com 
pany  D,  of  the  Bucktails.  He  had  been  elected  Captain  of  the  "Rafts- 
"man  Guards,"  but  after  their  arrival  in  Harrisburg  upon  the  organ 
ization  of  the  regiment  was  elected  its  Major,  and  participated  in 
the  western  Virginia,  Dranesville,  and  Peninsular  campaigns.  In  the 
latter,  owing  to  the  illness  of  Colonel  McNeil,  the  command  of  the  reg- 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  23 

COMPANY  E.     "Tioga  Rifles." 

The  Tioga  Rifles  were  recruited  in  Tioga  County  and  were 
composed  chiefly  of  lumbermen  and  mountaineers.  A  circular 
was  issued  by  Alanson  E.  Niles  and  Nelson  Whitney  calling 
for  volunteers.  This  movement  was  heartily  supported  by 
Judge  R.  T.  White,  Judge  S.  F.  Wilson,  Judge  H.  W.  Williams, 
A.  P.  Cone,  Henry  Sherwood  and  John  F.  Donolson.  Head 
quarters  were  established  in  the  Public  Square,  and  a  meeting 
held  in  the  Court  House  on  April  i6th.  On  the  I7th  the  organ 
ization  was  completed,  and  on  the  i8th  the  men  were  mustered 
into  the  State  service.  On  the  22nd  the  company  left  for  Har- 

iment  devolved  upon  him.  He  was  slightly  wounded  at  New  Market 
Cross  Roads,  and  his  courage  and  skill  in  handling  his  men  earned  for 
him  the  warm  commendation  of  his  superior  officers.  Upon  the  close 
of  the  Peninsular  campaign,  accompanied  by  Captain  Wister,  of  Com 
pany  B,  he  returned  to  Pennsylvania  with  the  intention  of  recruiting 
a  brigade,  to  be  composed  of  men  similar  in  quality  to  the  Bucktails. 
Lack  of  time  rendered  it  impossible  to  raise  more  than  two  regiments, 
Major  Stone  being  elected  Colonel  of  the  i4Qth  and  Captain  Wister 
Colonel  of  the  isoth  regiment.  Colonel  Stone  was  then  assigned  to  the 
command  of  the  Second  brigade,  Third  division,  Fifth  Army  corps, 
composed  of  the  I43d,  i4Qth,  and  isoth  regiments.  In  August,  1862,  he 
married  Miss  Mary  E.  Marker.  His  brigade  took  part  in  the  Chancel- 
lorsville  campaign,  and  later  at  Gettysburg  achieved  for  itself  an  en 
viable  record.  At  the  latter  battle  Colonel  Stone  was  severely  wounded, 
and  on  May  6,  1864,  during  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  he  sustained  a 
fall  from  his  horse  which  reopened  the  wound.  Unable  to  continue 
active  service,  he  was  discharged  by  Special  Order,  January  27,  1865, 
but  not  until  on  the  preceding  7th  of  September  he  had  been  brevetted 
Brigadier-General  for  "gallant  service  through  the  war,  and  especially 
"at  Gettysburg." 

Subsequently  to  the  war  he  was  engaged  in  active  pursuits  along 
the  Allegheny,  but  when  the  Spanish-American  War  broke  out,  he  served 
as  Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers  under  General  Miles,  taking  an  ac 
tive  part  in  the  occupation  of  Porto  Rico.  He  was  honorably  discharged 
December  31,  1898. 

For  some  years  previous  to  his  death,  General  Stone  resided  at 
Morristown,  N.  J.,  at  which  place  he  died  on  August  6,  1905. 


24  HISTORY  OP  THS  BUCKTAILS 


risburg,  leaving  such  others  as  should  desire  to  enlist  after  the 
departure  of  the  main  body  to  join  the  companies  recruited  by 
Colonel  Kane  on  the  West  Branch  of  the  Susquehanna. 
The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain  .................  Alanson  E.  Niles1 

First-Lieutenant  ...........  Lucius  Truman 

Second-Lieutenant  ........  Samuel  A.  Mack 

COMPANY  F.     "Irish  Infantry." 

The  Irish  Infantry  was  recruited  in  Mauch   Chunk  and 
East  Mauch  Chunk,  Carbon  County,  Pa.,  the  latter  place  being 


E.  Niles  was  born  on  October  5,  1816,  at  Charleston 
Township,  near  Wellsboro,  Pa.  Inheriting  his  father's  farm,  he  en 
gaged  in  agriculture  during  his  early  manhood,  marrying  in  1842  Miss 
Angeline  Austin.  In  1857  he  removed  to  Wellsboro,  where,  with 
Aaron  G.  Elliott,  he  engaged  in  mercantile  business  under  the  firm  name 
of  Niles  and  Elliott. 

Upon  the  outbreak  of  the  war  he  was  active  in  organizing  a  com 
pany,  which  afterwards  became  Company  E,  of  the  Bucktails,  he  being 
elected  Captain.  He  was  wounded  at  Dranesville,  his  conspicuous  brav 
ery  being  mentioned  in  the  official  dispatches.  Acting  as  rear-guard  on 
the  withdrawal  from  Mechanicsville  to  Games'  Mill  he  was,  with  parts 
of  Companies  D  and  E,  surrounded,  cut  off  and  captured.  After 
forty-five  days  in  Libby  Prison  he  was  released  and  rejoined  his  regi 
ment.  On  March  I,  1863,  he  was  promoted  to  Major,  and  on  May  15, 
1863,  to  Lieutenant-Colonel.  At  Gettysburg  he  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  thigh  during  the  charge  of  the  Reserves  down  the  front  of 
Little  Round  Top.  His  wounds  incapacitating  him  for  active  cam 
paigning,  he  resigned  and  was  assigned  to  a  command  in  the  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps  at  Washington  with  the  rank  of  Colonel,  and  in  this 
position  it  fell  to  his  duty  to  hold  Mosby's  Rangers  in  check.  He  was 
then  sent  to  Point  Lookout,  a  depot  for  prisoners,  where  he  remained 
until  Lee's  surrender.  Returning  to  Washington,  he  had  charge  of  that 
city,  on  the  day  of  the  Grand  Military  Review.  Commissioned  a  Cap 
tain  in  the  regular  army,  he  was  next  assigned  to  command  of  the  bar 
racks  at  Plattsburg,  N.  Y.,  but  being  still  troubled  by  his  wounds,  he 
was  retired  in  1869,  with  rank  and  pay  of  Captain,  residing  in  Wells 
boro  till  his  death,  which  occurred  on  October  8,  1891,  in  the  German 
Hospital,  Philadelphia,  to  which  place  he  had  gone  to  undergo  a  surgi 
cal  operation. 


G£N£SIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  25 

known  at  that  time  as  "The  Kettle,"  a  name  given  to  it  by  the 
miners  who  resorted  there  when  disputes  were  to  be  settled  by 
fists.  Mauch  Chunk  had  previously  supplied  three  companies 
for  the  war — A,  I  and  K,  Sixth  Pennsylvania, — but  inspired  by 
patriotism,  the  citizens,  led  by  the  Hon.  Asa  Packer,  Hon. 
Robert  Klotz,  Hon.  William  Lilly,  Captain  E.  H.  Rauch,  Leon 
ard  Yeager  and  C.  D.  Culver,  determined  to  raise  two  more 
companies :  one,  a  German  company,  to  be  called  "Jagers,"  and 
captained  by  Charles  Bitterling,  the  other  an  Irish  company, 
to  be  called  the  "Irish  Infantry,"  and  captained  by  Dennis 
McGee.  Headquarters  were  established  in  the  Court  House, 
and  the  work  of  recruiting  commenced,  the  first  four  men  to 
enlist  being  Conrad  Vogel,  George  Mclntosh,  Aaron  Wertz 
and  George  Eickhoff.  It  becoming  apparent  that  but  one  com 
pany  could  be  accepted  under  the  State's  quota,  a  consolidation 
of  the  two  companies  took  place,  and  shortly  after,  in  the  early 
part  of  May,  the  united  companies  left  for  Harrisburg  via  the 
Lehigh  Valley  and  Reading  Railroads,  bearing  with  them  a  flag 
presented  to  them  by  the  women  of  Mauch  Chunk. 

The  company  was  rather  disreputable  looking  upon  their 
arrival,  camp  life  having  played  havoc  with  their  originally 
somewhat  shabby  clothes,  but  through  the  generosity  of  Cap 
tain  E.  H.  Rauch,  who  clothed  them  at  his  own  expense,  they 
were  soon  enabled  to  make  a  somewhat  better  appearance. 

The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows : 

Captain   Dennis  McGee1 

1  Dennis  McGee  was  born  in  1833  in  Ireland,  and  was  educated  at 
a  college  in  that  country.  After  his  removal  to  the  United  States  he 
was  employed  in  some  furnaces  at  Mauch  Chunk,  and  also  kept  a  store 
in  that  city.  When  the  "  Irish  Infantry"  was  organized  in  Mauch 
Chunk,  he  having  been  elected  Captain,  went  with  it  to  Harrisburg, 
where  it  became  Company  F,  of  the  Bucktails. 


26  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

First-Lieutenant Hugh  Mulligan 

Second- Lieutenant Charles  Bitterling* 

COMPANY  G.     "Elk  County  Rifles." 

The  Elk  County  Rifles  formed  one  of  the  three  companies 
recruited  by  Colonel  Kane  which  came  down  the  Susquehanna. 
On  their  arrival  at  Harrisburg  their  numerical  strength  was 
small.  Many  had  been  rejected  as  being  too  young,  and  a  few 
failed  to  pass  the  requisite  physical  examination,  so  that  on 
May  3Oth,  Captain  Winslow  was  still  fruitlessly  endeavoring  to 
obtain  the  acceptance  of  his  men  as  a  body.  Hugh  McDonald, 
a  veteran  of  the  Mexican  War,  with  a  small  body  of  men  raised 
in  Tioga  County,  which  he  had  brought  to  Harrisburg,  was 
engaged  in  a  similar  effort.  Winslow  meeting  him,  arranged 
for  a  consolidation  of  the  two  companies,  which  was  shortly 
after  effected.  When  preparations  were  made  for  the  election 
of  company  officers,  Winslow,  though  he  had  been  previously 
elected  Captain  of  the  Elk  County  Rifles,  recognizing  both  his 
own  lack  of  military  knowledge,  and  the  value  of  the  training 
received  by  McDonald,  requested  that  for  the  present  he  be 
elected  to  no  office.  If  later  after  he  had  learned  in  the  school 
of  experience,  the  men  should  select  him  to  fill  any  vacancy  that 

His  discharge  from  the  service  was  dated  May  4,  1863.  Subse 
quently  he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  resided  in  Hokendauqua, 
and  was  active  in  politics.  He  died  in  1878. 

1  While  at  Harrisburg  a  few  recruits  joined  the  company,  among 
them  being  William  H.  Rauch,  afterwards  known  both  in  the  regi 
ment  and  Regimental  Association  as  the  "Little  Orderly."  This  soubri 
quet  was  given  to  him  by  Captain  Dennis  McGee.  Sergeant  Rauch's 
stature  was  less  than  that  demanded  by  the  military  authorities,  but 
desirous  of  enlisting  he  persuaded  John  Meyers,  a  man  over  six 
feet  tall,  who  had  already  passed  the  physical  examination,  to  do  so 
once  again  in  his  name.  Meyers,  nothing  loath,  did  so,  and  Captain 
McGee  when  appointing  Rauch  First-Sergeant  addressed  him  as  "Little 
"Orderly,"  a  nickname  speedily  seized  upon  by  the  men  in  the  regi 
ment. 


AND  ORGANIZATION  27 


might  occur  in  the  list  of  officers,  he  felt  that  then  he  would  be 
able  to  accept  without  injustice  to  them. 

The  election,  therefore,  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain   ................  Hugh  McDonald1 

First-Lieutenant   ...........  Jesse  B.  Doan 

Second-Lieutenant  ......  Andrew  J.  Sparks 

COMPANY  H.     "Wayne  Independent  Rifles." 

The  Wayne  Independent  Rifles  were  recruited  in  Chester 
County,  headquarters  being  established  at  Kennett  Square,  in 
the  Borough  Hall.  Among  the  first  to  enlist  were  Charles 
Frederick  Taylor,  H.  W.  Taylor,  Joel  J.  Swayne,  Robert  Max 
well  and  John  D.  Yerkes,  and  these  men  received  able  assist 
ance  from  B.  F.  Wickersham,  William  Chalfont,  Eber  W. 
Sharp,  James  White,  Joshua  Taylor,  Enoch  Dixon  and  Jesse 
Eversham,  citizens  residing  in  the  neighborhood.  Meetings 
were  held  in  near-by  places,  such  as  Chatham,  and  by  the  23rd 
of  April  the  organization  had  proceeded  sufficiently  to  permit 
the  establishment  of  a  camp  and  the  inauguration  of  drilling. 
On  May  I5th,  amidst  patriotic  demonstrations  at  Kennett 
Square,  the  company  left  for  Harrisburg,  proceeding  by  rail 
road  to  Philadelphia  and  from  thence  to  Harrisburg,  where  it 
arrived  about  6.30  p.  M. 

The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain  ..........  Charles  Frederick  Taylor2 

First-Lieutenant    ...........  Chandler  Hall 

Second-Lieutenant  .........  Evan  P.  Dixon 

1  Unfortunately,  efforts  to  obtain  reliable  information  in  regard 
to  Captain  McDonald's  life  have  proven  futile. 

2  Charles  Frederick  Taylor,  a  younger  brother  of  the  author,  Bay 
ard  Taylor,  was  born  on  February  6,  1840,  at  West  Chester,  Pa.  He 
received  his  primary  education  at  the  local  schools  at  Kennett  Square, 
to  which  place  his  father  removed  in  1846.  Though  frail  in  health,  he 


28  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

COMPANY  I.     "McKean  County  Rifles." 

The  McKean  County  Rifles  formed  one  of  the  three  com 
panies  recruited  by  Colonel  Kane,  and  came  with  him  down  the 
Susquehanna. 

entered  the  University  of  Michigan  in  1855,  somewhat  against  the  judg 
ment  of  his  elder  brother,  and  made  rapid  progress  in  his  studies.  In 
1856,  however,  he  left  the  University  to  join  his  brother  and  two  sisters 
in  a  tour  through  Europe,  hoping  in  this  way  to  improve  his  health. 
The  party  visited  England,  France,  Germany,  Switzerland,  and  Italy, 
but  while  Bayard  made  his  celebrated  visit  to  Lapland  and  Sweden, 
Charles  Frederick  with  his  sisters  remained  at  Lake  Geneva. 

In  the  spring  of  1857  he,  with  his  sisters,  went  to  Gotha,  intending 
to  perfect  himself  in  the  German  language.  Returning  to  America, 
physically  stronger,  and  mentally  broader,  in  the  fall  of  1857,  he  re 
turned  to  college;  but  owing  to  private  reasons,  was  compelled  to 
abandon  his  collegiate  ambitions  to  assume  the  direction  of  his  father's 
farm. 

With  the  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion,  Taylor  was  seized  with  a  de 
sire  to  do  his  part  to  suppress  it.  On  April  20,  1861,  he  called  a  meet 
ing  of  the  men  in  the  neighborhood,  in  the  Borough  Hall,  commencing 
immediately  the  organization  of  a  company.  When  this  company  be 
came  Company  H,  of  the  Bucktails,  Taylor,  who  had  been  elected  Cap 
tain,  went  with  it,  participating  in  the  battles  of  Dranesville  and  Har- 
risonburg.  Captured  at  the  latter,  while  making  an  effort  to  rescue  his 
Colonel,  he  rejoined  the  regiment,  and  owing  to  Colonel  McNeil  hav 
ing  been  killed  at  Antietam,  commanded  it  during  the  battle  of  Fred- 
ericksburg,  during  which  he  was  wounded.  When  he  recovered,  he 
again  rejoined  the  regiment,  and  on  March  i,  1863,  was  promoted  to 
the  Colonelcy.  At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  he  led  his  regiment  in  the 
charge  of  the  Reserves  which  saved  Little  Round  Top  to  the  Union 
Army,  but  was  killed  shortly  after,  while  in  the  woods,  beyond  and  to 
the  left  of  the  stone  wall,  in  front  of  the  wheatfield.  He  was  buried 
at  Longwood.  His  brother  Bayard,  writing  from  Gotha,  upon  receipt 
of  the  news  of  his  death,  said  "Nobody  knows  how  dear  Fred  was 
"to  me:  through  him  I  knew  what  a  brother's  love  meant.  I  had 
"brighter  hopes  for  him  than  for  myself:  he  was  better  and  nobler 
"than  I."  The  Charles  Frederick  Taylor  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  erected  a  marker 
to  commemorate  the  spot  upon  which  he  fell,  but  through  lack  of  data 
the  location  selected  was  erroneous.  The  Regimental  Association  of 
the  Bucktails,  however,  on  October  6,  1905,  unveiled  and  dedicated  an 
other  marker,  properly  and  correctly  inscribed  upon  the  spot  where 
Colonel  Taylor  was  actually  killed. 


AND  ORGANIZATION  29 


The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain  .............  William  T.  Blanchard1 

First-Lieutenant   ............  Frank  J.  Bell 

Second-Lieutenant   .........  Bruce  B.  Rice 

COMPANY  K.     "Raftsmen's  Rangers." 

The  Raftsmen's  Rangers  were  recruited  in  Curwensville, 
Clearfield  County,  headquarters  being  established  at  an  hotel 
known  as  "Good  Intent  and  People's  Line."  The  men  were  for 
the  most  part  lumbermen,  drawn  from  the  mountainous  dis 
tricts  skilled  in  the  use  of  the  axe  and  the  rifle.  On  April  i8th, 
Edward  A.  Irvin,  who  upon  the  firing  upon  Fort  Sumter  and 
the  issuance  of  President  Lincoln's  call  for  troops  had  returned 
to  Curwensville  from  a  business  trip,  opened,  with  the  assistance 

1  William  Thomas  Blanchard  was  born  March  26,  1838,  at  Palmer, 
Hampden  County,  Mass.  He  attended  the  common  schools  and  for  a 
time  the  High  School  of  that  town,  also  spending  some  three  months 
at  an  academy  at  Warren,  Mass.  Leaving  school  he  entered  the  mer 
cantile  house  of  a  relative  in  Boston.  In  1860  he  went  to  New  York, 
under  the  auspices  of  another  relative,  then  promoting  the  Bradford 
and  Pittsburg  Railroad  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
outbreak  of  the  war  caused  a  cessation  of  the  construction  of  the  road, 
and  Blanchard,  who  had  met  Thomas  L.  Kane,  who  was  engaged  in 
recruiting  in  the  lumber  districts  and  who  desired  his  assistance,  went 
immediately  to  Bradford.  When  the  men  arrived  in  Harrisburg, 
Blanchard,  who  had  been  elected  Captain,  became  with  his  men,  Com 
pany  I,  of  the  Bucktails,  and  took  part  in  the  campaigns  in  western 
Virginia  and  the  battle  of  Dranesville. 

Captain  Blanchard's  Company  I  was  one  of  the  four  companies  of 
the  Bucktails,  selected  to  form  Kane's  battalion,  which  was  attached  to 
Bayard's  "Flying  Brigade"  during  the  Valley  campaign  of  June,  1862. 
On  June  6th,  at  Harrisonburg,  Captain  Blanchard  was  wounded  in  both 
legs,  and  upon  this  account  was  compelled  to  resign  on  December  I, 
1862.  He  entered  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  being  made  Captain  Sep 
tember  6,  1863. 

Subsequently  to  the  war,  Captain  Blanchard  was  engaged  in  the 
life-insurance  and  coke  business,  but  suffered  so  severely  from  the 
effects  of  his  wounds,  that,  since  1899,  he  has  been  hopelessly  crippled, 
residing  at  Newport,  Campbell  County,  Ky. 


3o  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

of  W.  Ross  Hartshorne,  James  M.  Welch  and  John  P.  Bard, 
a  recruiting  station,  where  names  were  secured  rapidly,  among 
the  first  of  which  were  those  of  David  C.  Dale,  John  H.  Norris 
and  Lewis  Hoover.  Securing  the  assistance  of  Daniel  G.  Blett, 
a  former  commander  of  a  company  in  Lewistown,  Pa.,  drilling 
was  commenced  and  continued  assiduously.  On  May  9th 
elections  for  officers  were  held,  and  on  the  following  morning 
at  4  A.  M.  the  company  marched  to  the  nearest  railroad  station, 
at  that  time  Tyrone,  thirty-six  miles  away.  Despite  the  early 
hour  of  the  company's  departure,  the  people  of  the  neighbor 
hood  assembled  and  a  considerable  demonstration  was  made. 
Before  starting,  the  company  was  presented  with  a  silk  flag  by 
Mrs.  Jane  P.  Irvin.1  On  the  arrival  of  the  men  at  Tyrone,  it 
was  discovered  that  transportation  would  be  furnished  for  only 
100  men.  As  the  company  contained  123,  it  was  necessary  to 
send  back  23.  In  deciding  upon  those  to  be  left  behind,  the 
married  men  were  selected  first,  and  thus  it  came  about  that 
there  were  in  the  company,  when  it  boarded  the  cars,  only 
single  men. 

The  election  for  company  officers  resulted  as  follows : 

Captain Edward  A.  Irvin2 

First-Lieutenant W.  Ross  Hartshorne 

Second-Lieutenant James  M.  Welch 

1  This  flag  afterwards  served  as  the  regimental  colors  from  Second 
Bull  Run  to  Fredericksburg. 

2  Edward  A.  Irvin  was  born  in  January,  1838,  at  Curwensville,  Pa. 
He  completed  his  education  in  1857  at  Edge  Hill  School,  Princeton, 
after  which  he  was  associated  with  his  father  in  the  lumber  business  in 
his  native  town.  In  1861  he  went  into  business  for  himself,  but  the 
outbreak  of  the  war  caused  him  to  abandon  it. 

On  April  20th  of  that  year,  with  his  father's  approbation,  he  com 
menced  to  recruit  a  company,  which  became  Company  K,  of  the  Buck- 
tails,  Irvin  being  elected  Captain.  He  took  part  in  the  battles  fought 
by  his  company  and  with  it  was  captured  at  Mechanicsville,  after  hold- 


AND  ORGANIZATION  31 


It  is  worthy  of  record  that  the  men  who  enlisted  in  the 
companies  recruited  by  Colonel  Kane,  and,  indeed,  almost 
without  exception,  in  the  other  companies  as  well,  did  so  shortly 
after  President  Lincoln  issued  his  call  for  75,000  men  for  three 
months.  They  believed,  and  were  told,  that  it  was  for  three 
months  that  they  were  enlisting,  but  upon  their  arrival  at  Har- 
risburg  they  found  that  the  quota  allotted  to  the  State  under 
the  call  for  75,000  men  had  been  filled.  They  therefore,  without 
murmuring,  consented  to  be  mustered  in  as  a  regiment  of  the 
Reserve  Corps,  which  was  a  body  subject  to  military  duty  for 
three  years.1 

On  the  1  2th  of  June  an  election  for  regimental  officers  was 
held,  which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Colonel  .................  Thomas  L.  Kane2 

Lieutenant-Colonel  ........  Charles  J.  Biddle 

Major  ........................  Roy   Stone 

ing  out  in  the  Chickahominy  swamps  for  almost  a  week.  After  being 
exchanged  and  rejoining  his  regiment  he  was  wounded  at  South  Moun 
tain,  September  14,  1862,  and  again  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 

1862.  He  was  commissioned  Lieutenant-Colonel  September  10,  1862,  but 
owing  to  the  severity  of  his  wounds  was  never  mustered.     On  May  I, 

1863,  being   still   totally   unable   to   perform   duty,    he   was    discharged. 
While  absent  from  the  army  on  account  of  wounds,  Colonel  Irvin,  on 
October  10,  1862,  married  Miss  Emma  Augusta  Graham. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  war  as  he  slowly  regained  his  health 
he  resumed  his  lumber  operations.  He  also  became  prominent  in  real- 
estate  and  financial  circles  in  his  section  of  the  State,  and  in  1904  was 
elected  to  the  Senate  of  Pennsylvania. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania  Commandery  of  the  Military 
Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion,  President  of  the  Curwcnsville  Bank,  and 
has  held  the  office  of  Treasurer  of  the  Regimental  Association  of  the 
Bucktails  since  its  organization. 

1  While  awaiting  muster  at  Harrisburg  the  first  death  occurred  in 
the  Bucktail  regiment,  George  W.  Mattison  being  accidentally  shot  by 
his  tent-mate.  His  death  occurring  before  the  date  of  muster,  his  name 
is  of  necessity  omitted  from  the  rolls. 

2  Thomas  Leiper  Kane  was  born  January  27,   1822,  in  Philadelphia. 


32  HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 

Colonel  Kane  accordingly  received  his  commission  dated 
June  I2th,  but  though  he  had  been  chosen  by  the  various  com 
panies  to  lead  them,  he  was  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  he  was 

His  paternal  great-grandfather  being  General  Robert  Van  Renssalaer 
and  his  maternal  grandfather  Major  Thomas  Leiper  Kane,  he  inherited 
patriot  blood  from  both  lines  of  his  ancestry.  Liberally  provided  for 
by  his  father,  he  completed  his  college  education  at  seventeen,  after 
which  he  visited  England  and  France.  During  a  stay  of  some  years 
in  Paris,  he  acquired  great  proficiency  in  the  French  language  and  con 
tributed  articles  to  several  of  the  French  magazines.  Inoculated  with 
the  teachings  of  Fourier,  he  declined  to  become  the  heir  of  a  wealthy 
kinsman,  the  offer  being  coupled  with  the  conditions  that  he  assume 
the  name  of  Morrison  and  become  an  English  subject.  After  study 
ing  law  he  was  admitted  to  the  Philadelphia  bar,  but  rarely  practiced. 
He  accepted  the  position  of  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  under  his 
father,  Judge  Kane,  and  during  his  incumbency,  introduced  reforms 
that  incidentally  reduced  his  own  income  $2500  a  year.  He  was  also 
one  of  the  United  States  Commissioners. 

An  abolitionist  at  heart,  he  corresponded  with  Greeley  and  Emer 
son,  at  the  same  time  writing  upon  philanthropic  subjects  in  the  press 
of  the  day.  In  1848  he  became  chairman  of  the  Free  Soil  State  Central 
Committee,  and  upon  the  passage  of  the  Fugitive  Slave  Law,  the  duties 
involved  in  the  retention  of  the  office  of  United  States  Commissioner 
being  in  conflict  with  the  dictates  of  his  conscience,  he  resigned  the  lat 
ter  office.  His  letter  of  resignation  was  construed  by  his  father  as 
contempt  of  court,  and  he  was  committed.  This  action  was  overruled 
by  Judge  Grier,  of  the  Supreme  Bench,  and  Kane  was  set  free,  becom 
ing  an  active  co-operator  of  the  "  Underground  Railroad." 

After  his  return  from  Europe,  he  had  visited  the  West  in  1847. 
He  became  interested  in  the  Mormons,  met  Brigham  Young,  and  se 
cured  the  confidence  of  the  misguided  sect.  In  1858  after  Young  had 
called  upon  his  people  to  arm  themselves  to  resist  the  entrance  of 
United  States  troops,  and  Governor  Gumming  had  issued  a  proclama 
tion,  declaring  the  Territory  to  be  in  a  state  of  rebellion,  Kane  went 
to  Utah,  entirely  at  his  own  expense,  but  armed  with  letters  from 
President  Buchanan,  and  by  his  tact  and  skill  prevented  bloodshed. 

He  founded  and  laid  out  the  town  of  Kane,  Pennsylvania,  laid 
out  routes  for  some  of  the  railroads  in  that  section  and  found  the 
low  summit  over  which  the  Philadelphia  and  Erie  Railroad  crosses  the 
Alleghenies. 

He  supported  a  Model  Infant  School,  adapted  from  the  French 
Salles  d'Asile ;  was  working  manager  of  the  House  of  Refuge;  and 
director  of  the  Sunbury  and  Erie  Railroad. 


AND  ORGANIZATION  33 


a  civilian  and  lacking  in  military  knowledge  and  experience. 
Believing  that  the  satisfaction  of  personal  ambition  should  not 
be  allowed  to  interfere  with  the  best  interests  of  the  regiment 
as  a  whole,  and  yielding  to  a  patriotic  impulse,  Colonel  Kane 
resigned  his  commission,  accompanying  his  resignation  with  a 
request  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Biddle,  who  had  received  a 
military  education  and  who  had  borne  arms  in  the  Mexican 

In  1853  he  married  Elizabeth  Dennistown  Wood,  since  Doctor  of 
Medicine,  who  survives  him.  His  brother,  Elisha  Kent  Kane,  became 
known  throughout  the  world  on  account  of  his  achievements  in  Arctic 
explorations. 

On  the  outbreak  of  the  war  Kane  organized  the  Bucktail  regi 
ment,  but  upon  being  elected  Colonel,  resigned  in  favor  of  the  Mexican 
War  veteran,  Charles  J.  Biddle.  While  with  the  Bucktails  he  was 
wounded  at  Dranesville,  captured  at  Harrisonburg,  and  his  name  was 
frequently  mentioned  in  the  official  reports.  Appointed  Brigadier-Gen 
eral  for  gallant  services,  September  7,  1862,  he  commanded  the  Second 
brigade,  Second  division,  Twelfth  Army  corps,  at  Chancellorsville 
Contracting  pneumonia,  he  was  in  the  hospital  at  Baltimore  just  before 
the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  but  entrusted  with  a  message  from  the  War 
Department  to  General  Meade,  that  the  Confederates  were  in  posses 
sion  of  the  Union  cipher,  he  secured  the  services  of  a  daring  Kentuckian 
to  drive  him  to  the  field.  Stopped  once  by  Stuart's  men,  their  Southern 
accent  enabled  them  to  escape,  and  Kane,  though  still  too  weak  to  sit 
on  his  horse,  assumed  command  of  his  brigade  upon  the  second  day's 
fight.  On  the  third  day's  fight  his  brigade,  repulsed  the  charge  of 
Jackson's  old  division  under  command  of  General  Johnson.  Worn  out 
by  wounds  and  exposure,  Kane  was  compelled  to  resign  November  7, 
1863,  being  brevetted  Major-General  for  "gallant  and  meritorious  ser- 
"vices  at  Gettysburg."  Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  war  he  resided  at 
his  home  in  McKean  County,  but  spent  two  winters  in  Philadelphia 
upon  inheriting  the  old  family  house  on  Walnut  Street,  where  he  died 
December  26,  1883,  of  lobar  pneumonia. 

He  was  the  first  president  of  the  Board  of  State  Charities,  a  mem 
ber  of  the  American  Philosophical,  American  Geographical  and  Penn 
sylvania  Historical  Societies,  in  addition  to  being  a  Free-Mason.  He 
was  the  author  of  "The  Mormons"  (Philadelphia,  1850)  ;  "Alaska" 
(1868)  ;  and  "Coahuila"  (1877). 

Since  his  death  there  have  been  established,  in  his  honor,  the  "Gen- 
"eral  Kane  Post,  No.  292,"  of  Mount  Union,  Pa.,  the  "Thomas  L.  Kane 
"Post,"  of  Washington  Territory,  the  "Sons  of  Veterans,  Thomas  L. 
"Kane  Post,"  of  Titusville,  Pa.,  and  the  "U.  V.  L.  Encampment,  No.  6." 

4 


34  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

War,  be  commissioned  in  his  place.1  A  second  election  was 
held  and  the  men,  acceding  to  his  strongly  expressed  wishes, 
cast  their  votes  in  such  a  way  that  the  tellers  declared  Charles 
J.  Biddle2  to  have  been  elected  Colonel  and  Kane  Lieutenant- 
Colonel. 

1('Sir:  I  this  day  resign  the  post  of  Colonel  of  the  'Rifle  Regi- 
"'ment  of  the  Reserve  Volunteer  Corps  of  Pennsylvania,'  respect 
fully  presenting  for  appointment  by  you,  to  fill  my  place,  Lieutenant- 
"Colonel  Charles  J.  Biddle,  of  Philadelphia,  whose  merits  as  an  officer 
"and  a  gentleman  need  no  other  advocacy  on  my  part."  ("History  of 
"Pennsylvania  Volunteers,"  by  Samuel  P.  Bates,  Vol.  I.,  p.  909.) 

2  Charles  John  Biddle  was  born  on  April  30,  1819,  at  Philadelphia, 
Pa.  After  graduating  at  Princeton  University  in  1837,  he  studied  law 
and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1840.  He  volunteered  in  the  militia 
for  the  suppression  of  the  native  American  and  Catholic  riots  in  1844. 
Upon  the  outbreak  of  the  Mexican  War  he  recruited  a  company,  of 
which  he  was  made  Captain.  This  company  was  placed  in  a  new 
regiment  ordered  for  the  regular  army,  having  for  its  Lieutenant-Col 
onel  Joseph  E.  Johnson,  who  afterwards  acquired  a  wide  reputation  in 
the  Confederate  army.  Captain  Biddle  took  part  in  the  actions  of 
Contreras,  Churubusco,  Molino  del  Rey,  Chapultepec,  and  was  present 
also  at  the  capture  of  the  City  of  Mexico.  In  recognition  of  his 
bravery  at  Chapultepec,  when  against  General  Scott's  "wish  and 
"orders"  he  left  a  sick  bed  to  take  part  in  the  action,  he  was  brevetted 
Major,  "for  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct,"  while  General  Kearney 
selected  him  as  one  of  his  aides-de-camp. 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  he  resumed  the  practice  of  the 
law,  and  in  1853  married  Miss  Emma  Mather.  When  the  Rebellion 
broke  out  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
and  took  an  active  part  in  the  drilling  of  the  troops.  Upon  the  or 
ganization  of  the  Bucktail  regiment,  and  Thomas  L.  Kane's  declination 
of  the  proffered  Colonelcy,  he  was  elected  to  that  position,  and  to  his 
efforts  were  largely  due  the  shaping  and  progress  of  the  regiment.  In 
October,  1861,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  Congress,  and  though  offered 
a  Brigadier-Generalship,  decided  that  he  could  best  serve  his  country 
in  its  legislature.  After  the  close  of  the  war,  Colonel  Biddle  became 
one  of  the  proprietors  and  editor-in-chief  of  the  Philadelphia  "Age," 
in  which  position  he  continued  till  his  death,  which  occurred  upon  Sep 
tember  28,  1873.  The  bulk  of  his  literary  work  was  editorial,  but  his 
essay  "The  Case  of  Major  Andre,"  read  in  reply  to  Lord  Mahon's  attack 
on  Washington  in  his  "History  of  England,"  drew  most  favorable  com 
ments  from  the  critical  reviews.  The  essay  was  read  before  the  Penn 
sylvania  Historical  Society  and  was  subsequently  printed. 


AND  ORGANIZATION  35 


Wishing  to  put  upon  record  their  appreciation  of  the  honor 
able  and  unselfish  act  of  Colonel  Kane,  the  Captains  of  the 
several  companies  held  a  meeting,  and  passed  the  following 
resolution  : 

"Resolved,  That  in  accepting  the  resignation  of  our 
"Colonel  and  accepting  another  officer  in  his  place,  which  we 
"  do  because  he  insists  upon  it  —  and  calls  on  us  to  give  proof 
uof  our  attachment  and  confidence  in  him  by  this  sacrifice  of 
"feeling  —  we  desire  not  to  be  forgotten  Colonel  Kane's  self- 
"  devotion  ;  therefore  be  it 

"Resolved,  That  we  respectfully  solicit  Major  General 
"M'Call,  if  there  is  no  rule  in  the  service  to  prevent  his  doing 
"so,  to  change  the  name  of  our  regiment  from  the  'Rifle 
"  'Regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve'  to  that  of  the  'Kane 
"  'Rifle  Regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve/ 

"H.    M'DONALD, 

"  JOHN  ELDRED, 
"  E.  A.  IRVIN, 
"Roy  STONS, 
"  PHIUP  HOLLAND, 
"LANGHORN  WISTSR, 
"  A.  E.  Niuss, 

"WlUJAM  T.  BLANCHARD/'1 

In  compliance  with  this  request  a  Special  Order  was  issued 
from  Headquarters,  No.  95,  and  approved,  and  made  of  record 
by  the  War  Department,  changing  the  name  as  requested.  Thus 

^'History  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers;"  by  Samuel  P.  Bates,  Vol. 
I.,  p.  909. 


36  HISTORY  of  THE  BUCKTAILS 

the  official  designation  of  the  regiment  became  "The  Kane  Rifle 
"Regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve."1 

The  regimental  organization  was  shortly  after  completed 
by  the  election  of  John  T.  A.  Jewett,  Second-Lieutenant  of 
Company  D,  as  Adjutant,  and  the  appointments  of  Dr.  S.  D. 
Freeman2  as  Surgeon,  the  Rev.  W.  H.  D.  Hatton  as  Chaplain 
and  Henry  D.  Patton  as  Quartermaster.3 


regiment  was  already  known  as  the  "First  Rifles,  Pennsyl- 
"vania  Reserves"  ;  "Forty-  Second  Pennsylvania  Volunteers"  ;  "Buck- 
"tails";  and  "Seventeenth  Pennsylvania."  When  it  first  entered  upon 
active  service  it  was  occasionally  referred  to  in  the  despatches  as  the 
"Kane  Rifles,"  but  in  a  short  time  "Bucktails"  became  the  almost  uni 
versal  designation  of  the  regiment  and  the  one  by  which  it  was  known 
throughout  the  two  armies,  though  both  in  the  organization  and  cas 
ualty  reports  it  appears  as  the  "First  Rifles"  or  "Thirteenth  Pennsylva- 
"nia  Reserves." 

2  S.  D.  Freeman  was  born  in  Potter  County,  Pa.,  on  January  29, 
1829.     His   father   removed  to   Shippen   Township   in   1832,   at   which 
place  Dr.  Freeman  attended  the  common  schools.     By  hard  study  he 
fitted  himself  to  enter  the  office  of  Dr.  Wisner,  a  practicing  physician 
of  the  borough,  and  a  year  later  entered  the  Buffalo  Medical  University, 
from  which  he  graduated  with  high  honors  in  1856.     He  married  Miss 
Lucretia  A.  Reisdorph  in  1855. 

Upon  the  organization  of  the  Bucktail  regiment  he  was  appointed 
surgeon,  but  his  efficiency  attracting  the  attention  of  his  superior  offi 
cers,  he  was,  in  1862,  promoted  to  the  position  of  Medical  Director  and 
stationed  at  Baltimore,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Subsequently  he  was  appointed  Medical  Director  of  the  North 
west  Department,  filling  that  position  with  headquarters  at  St.  Paul, 
during  Custer's  campaign  against  the  Indians.  He  was  brevetted  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  at  the  close  of  the  war  for  meritorious  services. 

In  1876  he  was  correspondent  for  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Rela 
tions  of  the  United  States  Senate,  and  visited  Mexico  with  the  com 
mittee  during  the  complications  which  existed  at  about  that  time.  He 
established  a  Sanitarium  at  Smethport,  known  by  his  name,  in  which 
he  died  on  August  14,  1894. 

3  Quartermaster  Patton  was  not  officially  made  Quartermaster  till 
December.     To  be  eligible  to  the  office  a  rank  of  ist-Lieutenant  was 
necessary;  hence,  in  December,  the  latter  position  in  Company  F  being 
vacant,  Patton  was  elected  ist-Lieutenant  and  then  commissioned  Quar 
termaster. 


SURGEON  S.  D.  FREEMAN 


AND  ORGANIZATION  37 


The  election  of  Captain  Roy  Stone  as  Major  created  a 
vacancy  in  Company  D,  and  Hugh  W.  McNeil1  was  elected 
Captain  in  his  place,  while  John  T.  A.  Jewett  was  promoted  to 

1  Hugh  Watson  McNeil  was  born  on  January  10,  1830,  in  Oswego, 
N.  Y.,  of  Scotch  parentage;  his  father  being  the  Rev.  Archibald  Mc 
Neil,  a  Scotch  Presbyterian  minister.  At  eighteen  he  entered  Yale  Uni 
versity,  and  during  his  residence,  which,  owing  to  circumstances,  was 
abridged,  stood  high  in  his  class.  Resuming  his  studies  at  Delaware 
College,  he  graduated  with  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts,  winning  in 
addition  to  a  recognition  of  his  scholarship  a  reputation  as  an  orator. 

After  his  graduation  he  taught  at  the  Union  Academy  for  a  year; 
filled  a  position  on  the  United  States  Coast  Survey  under  Prof.  Alexan 
der  Bache  for  two  years  ;  and  then  entered  the  United  States  Treasury 
Department,  where  he  remained  for  three  years. 

He  was  ambitious  to  enter  the  legal  profession,  and  spent  all  his 
leisure  studying  law  under  the  preceptorship  of  William  H.  Seward, 
then  Senator.  Though  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Washington  City,  his 
health,  which  had  been  impaired  by  overwork,  forced  him  to  return  to 
New  York,  where  he  entered  the  law  offices  of  Blatchford  Seward.  His 
health  still  continuing  poor,  and  pulmonary  disease  threatening  him, 
he  removed  to  Warren,  Pa.,  in  1858,  hoping  that  such  removal  from 
the  vicinity  of  the  sea  would  be  beneficial.  At  this  place  he  filled  the 
position  of  cashier  of  the  Warren  Bank,  and  rapidly  became  known  and 
respected  by  his  fellow  townsmen. 

Upon  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  when  Roy  Stone  commenced  the 
organization,  in  Warren,  of  the  "Raftsman  Guards,"  McNeil  was 
one  of  the  first  to  enlist  as  a  private;  and  upon  its  completion  was 
elected  Lieutenant.  When  the  "Raftsman  Guards"  became  Company 
D,  of  the  Bucktails,  Stone,  who  had  been  previously  elected  Captain, 
became  Major  of  the  regiment,  and  McNeil  thus  became  Captain  of  his 
company.  At  Dranesville,  when  for  a  short  time  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kane  was  in  charge  of  the  brigade,  McNeil  assumed  command  of  the 
regiment,  and  upon  the  resignation  of  Colonel  Biddle  was  elected,  on 
January  22,  1862,  to  the  Colonelcy.  Stricken  with  typhoid  fever,  he  was 
unable  to  participate  in  the  Peninsular  campaign,  but  rejoined  the  six 
companies  that  took  part  in  the  Seven  Days'  retreat,  at  Harrison's 
Landing.  These  companies  he  commanded  with  marked  skill  at  the 
Second  Bull  Run.  The  entire  regiment  being  united  before  the  Mary 
land  invasion,  McNeil  at  South  Mountain  directed  and  encouraged  his 
men  on  to  victory,  but  at  Antietam,  on  September  16,  1862,  while  lead 
ing  a  charge,  he  was  instantly  killed.  His  body,  escorted  by  a  detach 
ment  from  the  regiment  under  command  of  Lieutenant  McNaughton, 
was  interred  at  Aubury,  N.  Y.,  with  military  honors. 


38  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

First-Lieutenant1  and  D.  G.  McNaughton  to  Second-Lieu 
tenant. 

With  the  organization  completed  the  sacrifice  of  Colonel 
Kane  bore  fruit.  Colonel  Biddle  was  indefatigable  in  his 
labors.  Possessed  of  a  remarkable  ability  to  break  in  raw 
troops  and  gifted  with  a  rare  power  of  instilling  into  them  the 
rudiments  of  military  knowledge,  he  spared  neither  them  nor 
himself  in  his  efforts  to  produce  the  results  he  desired.2  The 
calibre  of  the  men  in  the  regiment  and  their  value  to  the  Re 
serve  Corps  as  a  whole,  was  recognized ;  Major-General  Mc- 
Call  himself  taking  great  interest  in  their  instruction. 

The  life  in  camp  was  by  no  means  monotonous,  nor  the 
duties  assigned  to  the  men  performed  without  an  effort.  Guard 
was  mounted  with  the  regularity  that  obtains  in  actual  cam 
paigning  and  long  and  repeated  drills  taxed  the  regiment's 
powers  of  endurance.  The  progress  made  was  understood  and 
appreciated  by  the  men  themselves,  but  they  fretted  at  detention 
in  a  military  training  camp.  They  had  enlisted  to  fight  and 

xThe  dates  of  the  various  appointments  are  confused.  The  mus 
ter  rolls  show  that  Captain  McNeil  received  his  promotion  June  I,  while 
the  election  which  made  Stone  Major  did  not  occur  till  the  I3th. 
Moreover,  they  show  that  Jewett  was  promoted  to  First-Lieutenant  on 
June  12,  but  fail  to  show  when  he  became  Adjutant  Possibly,  if  not 
probably,  some  elections  were  held  in  anticipation  of  confidently  ex 
pected  results  of  others. 

2  In  Company  D  was  a  man  by  the  name  of  Francis  Gruay,  a 
Frenchman  who  had  been  soldiering  in  the  French  army  for  some 
eighteen  years,  and  who  had  been  wounded  in  South  Africa.  Known 
throughout  the  regiment  as  "  French  Frank,"  he  proved  of  great  assist 
ance  in  instructing  the  men  in  the  use  of  the  sword  and  bayonet.  His 
dexterity  was  remarkable,  nor,  it  is  said,  did  he  ever  lose  a  contest 
in  which  he  engaged.  He  was  appointed  Drill  Master,  and  though  his 
instruction  in  the  manual  of  arms  was  of  great  value  in  developing 
the  efficiency  of  the  men,  his  broken  English  was  occasionally  the  cause 
of  laughter.  He  was  several  times  appointed  Sergeant,  but  a  too  great 
fondness  for  liquor  prevented  his  further  promotion  and  caused  him 
to  be  reduced  to  the  ranks. 


GENESIS  AND  ORGANIZATION  39 

were  anxious  to  engage  in  actual  contest.  Yet  everything 
was  uncertain.  True,  they  had  been  mustered  into  the 
State  service  with  the  other  regiments  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserve  Corps,  but  the  Corps  had  neither  been  called  for  nor 
accepted  by  the  National  Government.  Difficulties  to  be  over 
come  before  the  Government  could  be  brought  to  accept  the 
Reserves,  upon  the  terms  laid  down  by  Governor  Curtin  in 
tended  to  insure  their  existence  as  a  body  and  to  prevent  their 
dissolution  into  isolated  fragments,  were  plainly  discernible, 
and  were  the  chief  subjects  of  conversation  when  the  men  were 
off  duty. 

But  on  the  evening  of  June  2ist  the  unexpected  happened. 
The  men  were  ordered  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march 
at  a  moment's  notice,  and  the  usual  evening's  quiet  gave  way  to 
the  bustle  of  preparation. 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE  STATE  SERVICE. 


The  order  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  move,  was 
received  with  mingled  surprise  and  delight  by  the  Bucktails. 
Throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  a  growing 
recognition  of  the  seriousness  of  the  task  laid  upon  the  Gov 
ernment,  if  it  would  preserve  the  Union  intact,  was  everywhere 
to  be  observed,  and  the  men  were  anxious  to  do  their  part. 

With  the  certainty  of  the  severity  of  the  coming  contest, 
came  an  increased  knowledge  of  the  theatre  of  future  opera 
tions.  Kentucky  was  attempting  her  role  of  neutrality;  the 
battle  of  Boonville,  on  June  I7th,  had  secured  Missouri  to  the 
Northern  cause;  and  all  things  pointed  to  Virginian  soil,  as 
that  doomed  to  sustain  the  fiercest  struggle.  Still,  the  Gov 
ernment  failed  to  realize,  even  faintly,  how  desperate  that 
struggle  was  to  be. 

Though  Virginia  had  thrown  in  her  lot  with  the  secession 
ists,  the  hardy  mountaineers,  in  her  western  districts,  remained 
true  to  the  affiliations  of  their  forefathers.  Already  Colonel 
Lew  Wallace,  with  his  Zouaves,1  had  entered  Virginia  and  on 
the  nth  of  June  defeated  the  Confederates  at  Romney ;  General 
Patterson  was  watching  the  enemy  at  Harper's  Ferry;  and 
General  McClellan  was  preparing  to  cross  the  State  line,  and 
inaugurate  the  campaign,  that  was  to  save  the  Virginian  loyal 
ists  to  the  Union,  by  the  creation  of  a  new  State,  and  to  bear 
him  to  the  command  of  the  army  in  the  east. 

xThe  nth  Indiana. 

41 


42  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

[21  June  i 86 i 

Colonel  Wallace  remaining  in  the  vicinity  of  Cumberland, 
Md.,  where  he  was  in  danger  of  being  overpowered,  General 
Scott  asked  Governor  Curtin  to  forward  two  regiments  to  that 
point  to  support  him.  The  wisdom  of  the  Pennsylvania  Gov- 
enor  was  becoming  apparent.  Pennsylvania's  troops,  shortly 
before  declined  by  the  Government,  were  now  urgently  re 
quired.  Though  the  men  had  not  been  sworn  into  the  United 
States  service,  not  the  slightest  hesitancy  was  manifested. 

The  Bucktails  and  the  Fifth  Regiment  were  selected,  sup 
ported  by  Battery  A,  First  Pennsylvania  Artillery;  the  entire 
battalion  being  placed  under  command  of  the  Bucktail  Colonel, 
— the  veteran  of  the  Mexican  War — Charles  J.  Biddle.  The 
Fifth  Regiment  was  under  command  of  Colonel  Seneca  G. 
Simmons,  and  Battery  A,  under  Captain  Charles  T.  Campbell. 
The  feeling  of  mutual  friendliness  and  reliance,  inaugurated 
during  this  campaign,  between  the  men  of  these  three  com 
mands,  continued  until  the  end  of  their  terms  of  service. 

Notified  on  the  evening  of  the  2ist,  excitement  ran  wild,  till 
a  few  hours  later,  at  sunrise  on  the  22d,  the  battalion  was  put 
upon  cars,  opposite  Camp  Curtin.1  The  infantry  regiments 
had  been  furnished  with  arms,  haversacks,  blouses,  caps,  cart 
ridge  boxes,  knapsacks;  but  knew  little  how  to  manage  such 
baggage.  About  to  commence  hostilities,  they  regretted  in 
tensely  the  inferiority  of  the  weapons  which  they  now  received. 
Most  of  the  men,  particularly  those  recruited  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Kane  and  Major  Stone,  had  brought  their  own  rifles 
to  Harrisburg,  but  had  been  compelled  to  send  them  home.  In 
exchange  for  guns,  the  value  of  which  had  been  tested  in  their 

1  No  flag  having  been  given  to  the  regiment  either  by  the  State  or 
National  Government,  the  flag  that  had  been  presented  to  Company  E, 
at  Wellsboro,  was  used  throughout  the  ensuing  campaign  as  the  regi 
mental  colors  of  the  Bucktails. 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE)  STATE:  SERVICE;  43 

1861  June  23] 

native  forests,  they  now  carried  old-fashioned  Harper's  Ferry- 
muskets.  These  muzzle  loading  flint  locks  had  been  altered  to 
percussion  ones;  but  the  bore  being  deeper  than  the  tube,  or 
nipple,  formed  quite  a  chamber  behind  it.  The  resultant  kick 
knocked  half  the  men  off  their  feet  the  first  time  they  fired 
them.  Some  genius  discovered  a  simple  remedy.  Taking  two 
or  three  silver  dimes,  he  rammed  them  down,  effectually  filling 
the  chamber  and  eliminating  "back  action."  The  usual  load 
was  three  buck-shot  and  one  ball — "three  cheers  and  a  tiger," 
as  the  men  expressed  it. 

Moving  over  the  Huntingdon  and  Broad  Top  Railroad  a 
stop  was  made  about  noon  at  Huntingdon.  The  patriotic 
citizens,  rejoicing  in  signs  of  activity  on  the  part  of  the  Gov 
ernment,  and  at  the  protection  which  such  activity  afforded  to 
them,  cheered  the  troops  and  served  refreshments  to  them. 
Not  only  was  an  ample  dinner  provided,  but  sufficient  remained 
to  enable  the  soldiers  to  fill  their  haversacks  with  dainties. 
After  dinner  had  been  eaten,  the  troops  again  boarded  the  cars, 
leaving  them  in  the  evening  at  Hopewell. 

The  experience  of  the  men  on  the  first  day,  cheered  by  the 
people,  fed  by  the  women  of  the  land,  and  carried  on  railroad 
trains  without  effort  on  their  part,  gave  them  but  a  poor  idea 
of  a  soldier's  life.  At  2  A.  M.  the  next  day  they  were 
awakened.  After  breakfasting  the  march  began.  The  roads 
were  thick  in  dust  and  the  day  hot.  Nor  were  the  men  used 
to  carrying  their  own  guns,  cartridge  boxes,  haversacks,  etc. 
Later,  when  campaigning  had  taught  them  the  easiest  way 
of  carrying  their  heavy  accoutrements  and  of  husbanding  their 
strength,  the  day's  march  of  23  miles  would  have  been  accom 
plished  without  much  fatigue.  But  as  yet  they  were  green, 
and  even  those  from  the  lumber  and  wild-cat  districts  found 
the  task  all  that  they  could  perform.  At  noon  a  stop  was  made 


44  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[23  June  1861 

at  Bloody  Run,  where  the  two  regiments  were  again  fed  by 
the  appreciative  townspeople.  When  it  is  remembered  that 
the  brigade  numbered  about  1500  men,  the  effort  requisite  to 
this  deed  of  kindness  becomes  apparent.  Night  found  the 
regiments  a  short  distance  from  Bedford.  Here  it  was  neces 
sary  to  establish  the  regiment's  first  "Field  Hospital;"  many 
of  the  command  being  completely  exhausted.  The  night  proved 
rainy,  and  this  exposure  to  the  rain,  to  those  unaccustomed  to 
it,  was  far  from  beneficial.  The  camp  was  named  "McCall," 
and  two  days  were  spent  in  it.  Then,  on  the  26th,  a  march  of 
15  miles  was  made  to  Centerville;  followed  by  one  on  the  next 
day  of  8  miles,  to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  State  line, 
where  they  went  into  camp.  Company  F  had  been  presented 
with  a  flag  by  the  loyal  women  of  Mauch  Chunk,  upon  their 
organization  as  the  "Irish  Infantry."  As  the  regiments  neared 
the  line  Lieutenant  Bitterling  seized  the  flag  and,  accompanied 
by  some  members  of  the  company,  carried  it  across  the  border 
and  thrust  its  staff  into  the  soil  of  Maryland.  From  the  north 
and  south  sides,  the  men  discharged  their  muskets  in  salute. 
Thus  the  colors  of  the  Bucktail  "Irish  Infantry"  were  the  first 
of  those  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  to  pass  the  border  of  the 
Keystone  State.  Though  at  first  the  men  called  their  new 
place,  "Camp  Mason  and  Dixey,"  they  soon  changed  its  appel 
lation  to  "Camp  Misery  and  Despair."  Its  location  made  it 
unsuitable  for  the  purpose  to  which  it  was  put.  Situated  be 
tween  two  hills,  the  ground  was  almost  marshy.  The  sur 
rounding  country  was  rough  and  hilly,  and  the  water  supply 
inadequate.  The  few  houses  in  the  immediate  vicinity  were 
of  a  poor  type.  Sickness  was  unwarrantably  prevalent  and 
rations  exceedingly  scarce.  Later  the  men  would  have  rem 
edied  the  latter  trouble  themselves;  but  at  this  time  they  were 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE:  STATE  SERVICE:  45 

1861   July  7] 

ignorant  how  to  go  about  it,  so  that  the  Fourth  of  July  was 
celebrated  by  a  fast — and  three  guns  fired  at  noon.1 

The  real  conditions  of  army  life,  first  surrounded  the  men 
at  this  time.  Drills  of  some  sort  took  place  three  times  a  day, 
guard  was  religiously  mounted,  the  camp  policed  and  "sick- 
"calls"  responded  to.  Colonel  Biddle  labored  unweariedly  at 
instilling  the  fundamentals  of  drill  into  his  men.  The  first 
regimental  drill  was  held  on  the  morning  following  the  estab 
lishment  of  the  camp  upon  a  rough,  stony  hillside,  and  the 
efforts  made  to  execute  movements  but  partially  understood 
were  ludicrous.  After  that,  company  commanders  devoted  two 
or  three  hours  each  day  to  drill,  rapid  improvement  rewarding 
their  efforts. 

Some  members  of  Colonel  Wallace's  Zouaves  visited  the 
camp  in  their  picturesque  costume  of  grey  trousers,  short  grey 
jackets  and  grey  caps  with  red  centerpieces.  More  fortunate 
than  the  Bucktails,  some  of  them  were  armed  with  Minnie 
rifles. 

By  July  7th,  Colonel  Wallace  having  moved  his  camp  to 
wards  Romney,  Va.,  the  citizens  of  Cumberland,  Md.,  deprived 
of  the  protection  which  his  proximity  had  afforded  to  them, 
became  nervous.  A  report  was  circulated  that  a  body  of  rebel 
cavalry  was  about  to  make  a  raid  on  the  town,  and  a  deputation 
visited  Colonel  Biddle,  begging  him  to  advance  with  his  bri 
gade,  to  protect  both  their  lives  and  property.  The  distance 
was  not  far,  but  the  movement  involved  the  actual  performance 
of  the  before  tacitly  accepted  duty.  Troops  in  the  State  ser 
vice,  paid  by  the  State,  were,  in  aid  of  the  National  Govern 
ment,  to  enter  the  territory  of  a  sister  State.  Colonel  Biddle 
was  not  a  man  to  stand  on  technicalities  if  the  needs  of  a 

1  "Done  nothing  to  celebrate  Independence — only  three  guns  fired 
"at  noon — dullest  4th  I  ever  saw."  (Diary.) 


46  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[7  July  1861 

moment  required  that  he  ignore  them.  At  9  o'clock  in  the 
evening  the  column  was  formed.  Two  hours  later  it  entered 
the  endangered  town. 

The  Bucktails  were  much  disappointed  at  the  air  of  quiet 
that  pervaded  Cumberland,  for  the  rumors  that  had  been  rife 
had  led  them  to  expect  that  active  hostilities  would  be  prac 
tically  simultaneous  with  the  crossing  of  the  border.  Colonel 
Biddle,  however,  perceiving  that  no  immediate  attack  was  to 
be  apprehended,  camped  his  men  in  the  woods  outside  the  town, 
the  next  morning  moving  the  brigade  to  the  camp  formerly 
occupied  by  Colonel  Wallace's  command.  This  camp  was  on  an 
elevated  piece  of  ground,  pleasantly  situated,  dry  and  healthy. 
The  Bucktails  enjoyed  the  change,  and  also  a  shooting  match 
on  the  Qth  for  a  prize  of  50  cents. 

Cumberland,  Md.,  is  situated  on  the  border  of  Virginia;1 
twenty  miles  southwest  of  Cumberland,  and  also  on  the  State 
border,  is  Piedmont;  and  twenty  miles  southeast  of  Piedmont 
is  Romney.  Thus  a  line  from  Cumberland  to  Piedmont  and 
from  Piedmont  to  Romney  may  be  said  to  represent  two  sides 
of  a  square.  If  a  line  be  drawn  from  Cumberland  to  Romney, 
a  triangle  is  formed  which  will  include  nearly  all  the  territory 
covered  by  the  Bucktails  during  their  present  expedition.  On 
the  line  from  Piedmont  to  Romney,  about  five  or  six  miles  from 
the  former,  is  a  place  called  New  Creek.2 

Not  being  attacked  by  the  enemy,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane 
was  desirous  of  seeking  him  out.  With  the  acquiescence  of 
Colonel  Biddle,  he  organized  a  body  of  scouts.  This  body  of 
men  was  composed  of  three  commissioned  officers ;  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Kane,  Captain  Irvin  and  First-Lieutenant  Hartshorne 

1  Virginia  at  that  time;    the  section  in  which  the  Bucktails  were 
about  to  campaign  became  shortly  after  part  of  the  State  of  West  Vir 
ginia — the  portion  of  old  Virginia  that  remained  loyal. 
2  New  Creek,  Va.,  in  1861 :    Keyser,  W.  Va.,  to-day. 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE;  STATE  SERVICE;  47 

1861   July   13] 

of  Company  K,  and  sixty  men  selected  from  the  various  com 
panies  in  the  regiment.  No  sooner  was  the  organization 
effected  than  actual  service  commenced.  On  the  morning  of 
the  loth  of  July  the  "Kane  Scouts"  left  camp,  returned  the 
next  day,  but  only  to  leave  and  return  again.  On  the  morning 
of  the  1 2th  the  scouts  boarded  the  train,  passed  through  the 
Cumberland  mining  region,  up  over  the  Switchback,  on  through 
the  tunnel  under  the  town  of  Frostburg,  Md.,  and  camped  that 
night  by  an  old  stone  grist  mill  on  a  small  stream,  a  few  miles 
from  Piedmont.1  It  was  raining  very  hard  when  the  scouting 
party  arrived  at  the  mill,  and  the  darkness  was  intense.  Each 
of  the  scouts,  supposing  he  was  in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  ter 
ritory  was  on  the  alert.  Pickets  were  posted,  but  the  thick 
growth  of  bushes  on  each  side  of  the  creek  made  it  difficult, 
during  the  prevailing  weather  conditions,  to  find  them  after 
they  were  posted.  The  commander  of  the  scouts,  kept  the 
Corporal  of  the  Guard  busy  during  the  entire  night  looking 
after  the  pickets. 

In  the  morning  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  divided  his  com 
mand  into  two  parties,2  commanded  respectively  by  himself  and 
Captain  Irvin.  Making  an  early  start  the  scouts  crossed  the 
Potomac  river  and  entered  Virginia  at  Piedmont,  where  the 
Confederate  cavalry,  under  Colonel  McDonald,  had  been  the 
day  before.  Guards  were  stationed  at  the  various  approaches 
of  the  town,  while  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane,  with  about  forty 

1  Still,  however,  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  Potomac. 

2  Inexperienced  as  they  were,  it  is  reported  that  one  of  these  par 
ties  marching  along,  perceived  through  the  mist  and  foliage,  what  ap 
peared  to  be  a  rebel  camp.     A  messenger  was  dispatched  to  the  other 
party,  with  a  request  that  it  converge,  so  that  the  two  parties  coming 
together  could  assail  the  two  flanks  of  the  enemy  and  effect  an  easy 
capture.    Before  the  messenger  could  deliver  the  request  the  two  roads 
came  together,  and  the  supposed  camp  proved  to  be  a  white  house  and 
several  white-washed  buildings. 


48  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  July  1861 

of  his  men,  proceeded  to  reconnoiter  the  surrounding  country. 
He  had  not  gone  far  before  he  became  convinced  that  a  force 
of  the  enemy  was  encamped  in  the  vicinity  of  New  Creek,  on 
the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad.  Sergeant  Kratzer,  on  a 
horse,  suddenly  "pressed  into  service,"  was  sent  back  to  the 
Sergeant  at  the  Guard  House,  with  an  order  commanding  him 
to  advance  with  his  men,  at  the  double  quick,  towards  New 
Creek,  taking  cover  if  attacked,  on  the  right.  The  Sergeant 
obeyed  orders,  and  with  his  men  trotted  along  in  the  hot  sun 
for  a  mile  or  so,  when  coming  across  what  he  considered  sus 
picious  appearances,  he  sent  out  flankers  on  each  side.  Nothing 
dangerous  being  discovered,  the  jog-trot  was  resumed,  and  the 
Sergeant  with  his  ten  men,  hot,  dusty  and  perspiring,  reported 
to  his  Colonel. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  had  ordered  that  Sergeant 
Kratzer  remain  in  Piedmont  with  ten  men ;  so  that  he  had  but 
fifty  men,  and  Captain  Irvin,  with  him.  At  New  Creek  was  a 
brick  house,  known  as  the  Armstrong  House,  and  of  this  he 
took  possession. 

At  this  house  a  red-headed  Presbyterian  preacher  was  cap 
tured.  Being  an  ardent  secessionist,  he  was  sworn  by  the 
Lieutenant-Colonel  to  carry  his  compliments  to  Colonel  McDon 
ald,  with  a  message  that  though  he  had  but  fifty  men,  he  would 
be  delighted  to  have  him,  Colonel  McDonald,  pay  him  a  visit. 
The  preacher  despatched,  the  command  turned  in  for  the  night. 

A  youth,  by  the  name  of  Kelly,  whose  home  was  in  Cum 
berland,  had  accompanied  the  scouting  party  as  guide.  Shortly 
after  daybreak,  the  pickets  reported  the  sound  of  horses  can 
tering  on  a  hard  road.  Then  it  was  remembered  that  the  guide 
had  stayed  at  the  Station,  and  Captain  Irvin  was  ordered  to 
take  a  squad  of  men,  armed  with  rifles  borrowed  from  Captain 
Kelsey,  of  Cumberland,  move  across  the  lane,  and  fire  into  the 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THE:  STATS  SERVICE:  49 

1861   July   14] 

flank  of  the  advancing  party.  The  measure  was  taken  too  late, 
for  the  rebels  coming  upon  the  guide  had  cut  his  throat  without 
awakening  him.  The  fire  of  Irvin's  squad,  however,  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  to  it,  and  the  men  had 
hardly  time  to  reach  the  house,  running  as  fast  as  they  were 
able.  Inside  Kane  ordered  his  men  to  withhold  their  fire  till 
he  gave  the  order.  The  house  stood  some  75  feet  back  of  the 
road  or  lane,  and  one  of  the  men  in  Captain  Irvin's  squad, 
failing  to  reach  it,  threw  himself  into  some  grass  and  bushes. 

As  the  Confederates  swept  down  the  road,  they  commenced 
firing  two  hundred  yards  away.  For  the  first  time  the  Buck- 
tails  were  under  fire,  and  for  the  first  time  heard  the  Con 
federates'  yell.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  had  tremendous  diffi 
culty  in  restraining  his  men  from  firing.  He  knew,  that  could 
he  only  inspire  his  raw  command  with  confidence  to  wait  till 
he  gave  the  order,  the  enemy  would  pay  heavy  toll  for  his  im 
prudence  in  advancing  against  a  brick  house  in  such  order. 
But  in  many  cases  green  soldiers  under  fire  cannot  be  restrained 
from  answering.  When  the  cavalry  reached  a  point  level  with 
the  house,  a  private  discharged  his  musket,  and  Lieutenant 
Boughton,  of  the  Third  Virginia,  who  was  in  the  advance, 
dropped  from  the  saddle.  Hardly  had  the  report  of  the  solitary 
gun  rung  out  than  the  entire  party  fired.  The  cavalry  wheeled 
and  retreated.  With  empty  guns,  the  lust  of  battle  upon  them 
for  the  first  time,  the  Bucktails  rushed  from  the  house  to  the 
pursuit.  At  the  same  time,  the  man  who  had  taken  refuge  in 
the  grass,  rose  to  his  feet  and  discharged  his  rifle  at  the  re 
treating  mass. 

As  soon  as  he  could  gain  control  of  his  men,  Kane  ordered 
them  to  bury  the  dead  bodies  of  Lieutenant  Boughton  and 
Privates  Bosley  and  Miller,  which  the  Confederates  had  left 
behind  them.  Undoubtedly,  though  there  was  much  to  criti- 

5 


50  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII^S 

[13  July  1861 

cise  in  the  conduct  of  his  men,  the  victory  was  extremely  bene 
ficial  to  them.  Though  they  had  fired  before  he  gave  the  order, 
thus  discarding  their  opportunity  to  inflict  the  maximum  of 
damage  on  the  foe;  and  though  they  had  rushed  from  the 
house  with  empty  guns,  deaf  to  his  commands,  to  charge  an 
enemy  armed  with  sabres  and  double-barrelled  shot  guns  and 
mounted  on  horses;  yet  they  had  been  victorious  and  had 
escaped  without  a  single  man  being  either  killed  or  wounded. 
When  called  upon  to  face  the  enemy  again,  they  would  do  so 
with  the  courage  and  coolness  that  is  born  of  victory. 

Of  the  enemy,  several  of  those  wounded  died  subsequently. 
The  attacking  force  must  have  been  slightly  over  a  hundred, 
and  their  loss  in  wounded  about  twenty.1 

On  the  1 3th,  Colonel  Biddle  moved  his  brigade  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  bridge  across  the  Potomac  that  had  been  burned 
by  the  Confederates ;  and  on  the  I4th,  a  detachment  under 
Captain  A.  J.  Trout,  of  Company  F,  of  the  Fifth  regiment, 
consisting  of  Companies  A  and  F,  of  the  Fifth  regiment,  and 
Company  B,  of  the  Bucktails,  was  ordered  to  occupy  Piedmont. 
This  Captain  Trout  did,  placing  Captain  Wister  in  a  stone 
house  owned  by  a  Mr.  Hendrickson.  The  town  was  in  a  fer 
ment,  and  the  arrival  of  Confederate  troops  was  expected 
momentarily.  The  Bucktails  set  to  work  to  fortify  the  house. 
They  even  secured  a  five-pound  cannon,  in  some  way,  and 
loaded  it  to  the  muzzle.  Its  discharge  would  have  been  some 
what  disastrous  to  the  defenders  of  the  house,  however,  as  it 
was  not  properly  fastened.  Shortly  after  dark,  on  the  evening 
of  the  1 5th,  the  picket  station  was  attacked,  but  held  its  position 

1  See  Kane's  report  to  Colonel  Biddle  ("History  of  the  Pennsyl- 
"vania  Reserve  Corps";  by  J.  R.  Sypher,  p.  75.)  The  reports  of  the 
skirmish  do  not  seem  to  be  in  the  series  of  reports  published  by  the 
Government;  probably  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  troops  at  this  time 
were  still  in  the  State  service. 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  TH£  STATE:  SERVICE;  51 

1861  July   16] 

obstinately.  The  enemy  after  losing  five  men  retired,  just  as 
some  troops,  destined  for  Rosecrans  in  Ohio,  arrived  in  the 
town. 

On  July  1 6th  Colonel  Biddle  moved  the  entire  brigade 
across  the  Potomac  to  Piedmont.  The  bridge  having  been 
destroyed,  it  was  necessary  to  transport  the  baggage  on  the 
men's  backs,  a  task  that  proved  exceedingly  laborious.  Still 
by  nightfall  the  operation  was  nearly  completed,  when  a  mes 
senger  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  arrived,  reporting  his 
present  position,  which  was  somewhat  an  alarming  one. 

The  Lieutenant-Colonel,  ever  seeking  an  opportunity  to 
fight,  had,  with  his  scouts,  advanced  to  within  a  few  miles  of 
Romney,  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  from  support. 

Passing  Ridgeville  in  the  afternoon,  the  "Kane  scouts," 
moving  over  the  top  of  a  small  hill,  had  noticed  a  party  of 
horsemen  ride  out  into  the  open  plain  beneath.  A  moment 
later  a  series  of  white  puffs  of  smoke,  followed  by  sharp  re 
ports  and  the  whiz  of  the  rifle  balls,  had  caused  their  com 
mander  to  order  them  to  fall  in.  The  horsemen  had  not  waited 
for  this  movement  to  be  completed,  but  disappeared.  Flankers 
having  then  thrown  out  the  scouts  had  proceeded,  while  a  mes 
senger  was  sent  back  reporting  the  situation  to  Colonel  Biddle. 
Halting  near  Romney,  Kane  had  then  taken  possession  of  a 
stone  house,  despite  the  vigorous  protests  of  its  owner,  and 
ordered  his  men  to  tear  down  a  hewn  log  building,  in  its  imme 
diate  vicinity,  and  use  the  timber  thus  obtained  for  barricades. 
The  doors  and  windows  being  reinforced  in  this  manner  the 
Lieutenant-Colonel  had  drawn  from  his  saddle  bags  a  small 
United  States  flag,  which  was  mounted  over  the  house.  A 
salute  was  fired  over  it,  and  after  three  cheers  had  been  given, 
and  pickets  posted,  the  men  had  laid  down  to  rest. 

It  was  his  duty  to  report  his  position  to  his  commanding 


52  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[July   1861 

officer ;  and  he  had  done  so.  He  had  not  retreated,  however, 
but  proceeded  farther  towards  Romney.  He  hoisted  his  flag 
and  waited  for  the  attack  which  he  expected  at  any  moment. 
As  some  of  his  pickets  heard  artillery  moving,  they  did  not 
regard  the  situation  in  the  same  light  as  he  did.  They  felt 
that  a  stone  house  was  ample  protection  against  rifles,  but  the 
introduction  of  artillery  altered  the  case. 

Colonel  Biddle  at  Piedmont,  upon  the  arrival  of  Kane's 
messenger,  put  the  brigade  in  motion,  and  before  midnight, 
arrived  to  find  his  Lieutenant-Colonel  comfortably  ensconced 
in  his  improvised  fort,  while  the  scouts  greeted  his  arrival  with 
three  cheers  for  the  "Colonel  and  his  men."  Though  Captain 
Campbell,  of  the  artillery,  wanted  to  try  a  few  shots,  Biddle 
was  obdurate  and  the  entire  brigade  moved  back  to  Piedmont.1 

During  their  entire  stay  in  this  vicinity,  daily  scouting 
parties  were  sent  out  from  the  various  companies. 

On  the  1 5th  Lieutenant-Colonel  Fisher,  of  the  Fifth,  pro 
ceeded  with  Company  C,  of  the  Fifth  regiment,  and  Companies 
A  and  G,  of  the  Bucktails,  to  New  Creek.  Companies  C  and 
H,  of  the  Bucktails  were  out  on  the  I9th,  and  Company  K  on 
the  1 4th.  When  not  scouting  or  doing  picket  duty  the  men 
were  put  through  drills,  and  the  combination  of  actual  cam 
paigning  and  severe  drill  tasks  developed  the  regiments  with 
extraordinary  rapidity.  The  "Kane  Scouts"  had  one  other 
rather  curious  experience.  One  night  they  arrived  at  a  large 
Virginia  plantation,  the  proprietor  of  which  had  retired  for  the 
night.  No  necessity  existing  for  disturbing  the  planter,  the 
men  made  themselves  comfortable.  At  day-break  Kane  sent 

1  Biddle's  orders  forbade  him  to  attack  Romney.  The  data  for 
the  various  incidents  in  this  book  have  been  culled  and  collated 
from  diaries,  Captain  Bard's  "History  of  the  Old  Bucktails,"  and  J.  R. 
Sypher's  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps." 


CAMPAIGNING  IN  THS  STATS  SKRVICS  53 

1861  July] 

a  Sergeant  to  waken  the  inhabitants  of  the  house.  The  Ser 
geant  knocked  but  received  no  response.  "Kick,"  said  Kane. 
The  Sergeant  applied  his  heels  but  without  avail.  "Break  it 
"in,"  said  Kane.  The  planter  soon  made  his  appearance,  and 
was  informed  by  the  Lieutenant-Colonel,  that  a  more  prompt 
response  in  future  would  save  him  trouble,  adding,  "We  have 
"had  the  pleasure  of  camping  on  your  premises  over  night,  and 
"merely  called  to  say  good  morning — Good  morning,  Sir." 

While  at  Piedmont,  some  members  of  the  Fifth  regi 
ment  seized  a  printing  office,  and  on  the  i8th  issued  "The 
"Pennsylvania  Reserves."  The  printing  office  was  that  of  A. 
S.  Trowbridge,  editor  of  the  "Piedmont  Independent,"  who 
had  been  driven  from  his  home  by  the  secessionists.  It  was 
almost  certainly  the  first,  of  the  many  papers  issued  during 
the  war,  by  printers  and  editors  who  had  enlisted  in  the  army. 

A  large  shoe  making  establishment  furnished  employment 
to  many  of  Piedmont's  citizens.  Before  the  battalion  left  its 
stock  was  considerably  depleted,  while  it  does  not  appear  that 
its  bank  account  was  greatly  increased. 

That  as  a  whole  the  regiments  were  not  beyond  hope,  is 
proven  by  a  naive  remark.  A  grand  ball  was  given  at  the 
principal  hotel,  the  occasion  being  made  delightful  by  the 
presence  of  the  better  of  the  ladies  resident  in  the  town.  After 
the  affair  had  been  in  progress  for  some  time,  one  of  them  was 
heard  to  remark,  "Really,  the  soldiers  are  not  such  a  rough 
"set  of  fellows  after  all." 

The  State  authorities  sent  down  a  pay-master,  and  thus 
the  men  obtained  a  little  pocket  money.  They  also  received 
blue  pants  and  white  flannel  shirts.1  The  town  was  owned  by 
them. 

The  companies  had  been  originally  restricted  to  79  men, 

1  "  Mean  color  but  I  must  not  complain."     (Diary.) 


54  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[July  1861 

now  it  had  been  decided  to  recruit  them  up  to  101.    So  recruits 
commenced  to  arrive. 

Then  came  the  report  of  the  Union  disaster  of  Bull  Run. 
The  regiments  were  ordered  back  to  Harrisburg.  Camp  was 
broken  on  July  27th,  and  on  July  3ist  the  troops  arrived  at 
Camp  Curtin.1  They  returned  by  the  same  route  that  they 
pursued  a  few  weeks  earlier,  and  at  Huntingdon,  were  again 
the  recipients  of  a  dinner  from  the  enthusiastic  citizens. 
Having  slept  in  the  cars,  they  left  the  train,  on  the  morning  of 
July  3 1st,  and  thus  ended  their  first  campaign. 

xjuly  27,  train  to  Cumberland — march  to  Centerville;  July  28 
to  Bedford ;  July  29  to  Hopewell ;  July  30,  train  to  Harrisburg. 


THE    WINTER    OF    1861. 
I. 

INTO     THE     NATIONAL     SERVICE. 


When  Governor  Curtin,  in  May,  had  approved  the  bill 
inspired  by  himself  in  April,  authorizing  the  organization  of 
Reserve  Volunteer  Corps,  he  had  been  determined  that  when 
the  Corps  should  be  called  upon  to  enter  the  National  service 
it  should  do  so  as  a  unit.  When  requested  by  General  Scott 
to  send  reinforcements  to  General  Wallace  at  Cumberland,  he 
had  done  so  within  a  few  hours.  Still  he  held  before  himself 
the  intention  of  forcing  the  Government,  when  accepting  the 
various  regiments,  to  receive  them  as  a  corps  under  the  com 
mand  of  General  McCall.  By  June  25th  he  received  letters 
that  indicated  that  the  Government  would  accept  the  regi 
ments,  but  would  not  accept  any  officer  ranking  above  Colonel. 
Governor  Curtin,  determined  to  preserve  the  Corps'  unity, 
again  urged  the  acceptance  of  General  McCall.  On  July  I3th 
he  was  advised  that  the  infantry  regiments  could  be  accepted, 
with  the  regiment  of  cavalry;  but  not  the  artillery.  At  the 
same  time  he  was  confidentially  informed  that  McCall  could 
be  appointed  a  Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers. 

General  McCall,  becoming  acquainted  with  the  status  of 
the  case,  partriotically  resigned  the  command  of  the  Corps ; 
but  at  the  same  time  declined  the  proffered  Brigadier-General 
ship.  Governor  Curtin,  inflexible  and  cool,  again  communi 
cated  with  the  Government,  urging  in  the  strongest  terms  that 

55 


56  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  July  1861 

a  Major-Generalship  be  given  to  General  McCall,  so  that  the 
spirit  of  the  Corps  might  be  preserved,  and  that  it  might 
enter  the  service  as  designed  by  him. 

This  letter  was  written  on  the  I3th  of  July.  The  time 
of  the  three  months'  troops,  in  the  vicinity  of  Washington,  was 
nearly  up,  and  an  offensive  movement  by  General  McDowell, 
who  commanded  them,  would  have  to  be  made  promptly,  if 
they  were  to  do  battle  before  being  mustered  out.  In  reality 
there  was  no  reason  to  suppose  that  these  green  troops  could 
end  the  contest;  but  action  was  necessary.  Hence  McDowell's 
march  towards  Bull  Run  was  commenced. 

Then  Governor  Curtin  again  offered  his  Reserve  Corps  to 
the  Government.  The  seriousness  of  the  situation  confronting 
them  commenced  to  be  realized  by  the  authorities.  Should  the 
short-term  troops  be  victorious  they  would  still  shortly  be 
mustered  out.  Should  they  be  defeated  and  mustered  out  after 
such  defeat,  the  case  would  be  still  worse.  Moreover,  in  Penn 
sylvania  there  were  fifteen  regiments,  equipped  by  the  State, 
ready  for  service,  anxious  to  be  accepted  for  a  term  of  three 
years,  if  the  war  did  not  end  sooner,  drilled  by  competent 
officers  and  of  selected  physique.  Such  a  body  must  of  neces 
sity  be  worth  securing,  even  at  a  sacrifice.  On  the  igth  day  of 
July  Governor  Curtin  received  the  following  message: 

"Washington,  D.  C.,  July  19,  1861. 
"Governor  Curtin : 

"The  Secretary  of  War  desires  me  to  communicate  the 
"following  as  his  instructions:  With  the  exceptions  of  the 
"regiments  of  Colonel  Biddle  and  Simmons,  assemble  at  once 
"all  other  regiments,  given  in  your  despatch  of  yesterday,  at 
"Harrisburg,  where  they  will  be  immediately  mustered  into 
"service.  They  will  then  immediately  proceed  to  the  seat  of 
"war  as  previously  ordered.  Their  services  being  imperatively 


INTO  THE:  NATIONAL  SERVICE  57 

1861   July  25] 

"demanded  there.  If  it  is  not  done  promptly  these  regiments 
"will  be  prevented  from  taking  part  in  the  battle,  and  the 
"responsibility  will  rest  on  yourself. 

"L.  THOMAS,  Adjutant-General."1 

The  Governor  realizing  that  he  was  accomplishing  his  end, 
devoted  his  whole  energy  to  moving  the  troops  to  the  National 
capital.  Before  he  could  do  this,  however,  the  Union  troops 
had  been  defeated  at  Bull  Run.  Then  at  last  the  Government 
awoke.  Ladies  in  Washington  had  driven  out,  on  the  2ist  of 
July,  to  see  the  new  made  soldiers  of  the  Government  over 
throw  the  despised  Southern  troops ;  but  with  horror  witnessed 
their  defenders  come  flying  back,  disordered  and  in  confusion. 
No  more  was  the  war  to  be  regarded  as  a  triumphal  march,  or 
a  battle  as  a  spectacle.  The  conflict  was  to  be  to  the  bitter 
end.  Reinforcements  were  required  immediately,  if  the  vic 
torious  enemy,  whose  flags  waved  within  sight  of  the  Capitol, 
was  to  be  prevented  from  seizing  the  seat  of  government. 
Telegrams  poured  in  on  Curtin  begging  him  to  expedite  the 
movement  of  his  troops.  "To-morrow  won't  do  for  your  regi- 
"ments.  We  must  have  them  to-night."2 

Colonel  Biddle  of  the  Bucktails,  down  at  New  Creek,  W. 
Va.,  hearing  the  reports,  telegraphed: 

"New  Creek  Bridge,  Va.,  July  25,  1861. 
"Governor  Curtin : 

"We  trust,  Governor,  that  you  will  have  us  ordered  to 

1  "Andrew  Gregg  Curtin :  his  life  and  services,"  p.  270.  The  por 
tion  of  the  biography  dealing  with  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  consists 
of  little  more  than  copies  of  correspondence  between  the  Governor  and 
the  Government.  Space  forbids  the  insertion  of  much  that  is  intensely 
interesting. 

*  "Andrew  Gregg  Curtin :   his  life  and  services,"  p.  272. 


58  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[25  July  1861 

"join   General   M'Call's   division   at  Washington.     The   Ohio 
"troops  are  near  enough  to  amply  protect  this  line. 

"CHARLES  J.  BIDDL^  Colonel  Commanding/'1 

The  regiments  of  the  Reserve  Corps  were  forwarded  as 
fast  as  possible,  and  upon  their  arrival  at  Washington  and 
Baltimore,  owing  to  their  magnificent  appearance,  were  wel 
comed  as  saviours. 

On  August  ist,  Governor  Curtin  received  notice  from 
McCall  that  the  entire  Corps  had  been  placed  under  his  com 
mand.  He  had  been  appointed  a  Major-General,  and  Penn 
sylvania's  "War  Governor"  had  accomplished  his  design. 
Under  its  own  General,  the  Corps  had  been  taken  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  intact.2 

The  exigencies  of  the  situation  made  it  advisable  to  send 
two  regiments  to  the  assistance  of  General  Banks  in  the  vicinity 
of  Harper's  Ferry,  and  on  July  26th,  General  Scott  telegraphed 
to  Colonel  Biddle : 

1  "Andrew  Gregg  Curtin :  his  life  and  services,"  p.  274.  By  General 
Orders,  No.  2,  by  command  of  General  Rosecrans,  Colonel  Biddle  was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  the  District  of  Cheat  River.     (O.  R.  I.  II.,  p. 
763.)     Probably  the  knowledge  of  this  order  caused  him  to  telegraph 
Governor  Curtin  with  such  promptitude. 

2  With  this  exception :    the  military  authorities   decided  that  each 
division  of  three  brigades  should  have  four  batteries — three  volunteer 
and  one  U.  S.     Batteries  A,  B  and  G,  of  the  artillery  regiment,  were 
assigned  to  McCall's  division  under  this  rule,  the  others  being  ordered 
to  other  commands.     The  cavalry  regiment  also  was  not  regularly  at 
tached  to  the  division.     Trouble  was  experienced  in  its  organization, 
and  some  of  its  companies  were  mustered  into  the  National  service 
separately.     Ultimately,  in  September,  General  McCall  secured  the  ser 
vices  of  Captain  George  D.  Bayard,  of  the  regular  army.     Under  his 
energetic  leadership,  the  regiment  assumed  shape,  was  organized,  and 
shortly  after,  with  the  First  New  Jersey,  became  celebrated  through 
out  the  country  as  "Bayard's  Flying  Brigade."     Sometimes  it,  or  a  por 
tion  of  it,   operated  with  the  Reserves,   as   at   Dranesville;    while  in 
1862,  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Kane's  battalion  of  Bucktails  was  tem 
porarily  attached  to  it. 


INTO  THE:  NATIONAL  SERVICE:  59 

1861   August  6] 

"Hasten  with  the  two  Pennsylvania  regiments  to  join  the 
"force  at  Harper's  Ferry."  l 

On  July  28th,  however,  the  Second  Regiment  was  ordered 
to  Sandy  Hook2  to  strengthen  General  Banks'  force;  so  that 
upon  the  arrival  of  the  Bucktails  and  the  Fifth  regiment  at 
Harrisburg,  while  the  Bucktails  were  ordered  to  Sandy  Hook, 
the  Fifth  regiment  proceeded  towards  Washington. 

Upon  arriving  at  Harrisburg,  Colonel  Biddle  ordered  his 
regiment  into  camp.  Preferring  a  camp  of  his  own  to  quarters 
in  Camp  Curtin,  he  selected  a  site  near  the  river.  Efforts  were 
made  to  get  the  regiment  into  shape.  Letters  to  be  placed  on 
the  men's  caps  were  obtained,  as  were  also  blue  overcoats,  cot 
ton-flannel  drawers  and  other  necessary  clothing.  The  ques 
tion  of  guns  made  serious  trouble ;  some  of  the  men  were  anx 
ious  to  obtain  Minnie  rifles,  but  others  knowing  more  about 
the  matter  were  determined  not  to  accept  such  weapons.  On 
the  2nd,  delegations  from  each  of  the  companies  met,  and 
appointed  a  committee,  of  three  men  from  each  company,  to 
interview  the  officers,  and  find  out  their  intentions.  They  were 
determined  to  enter  the  army  as  a  rifle  regiment,  or  remain  out. 
On  the  5th,  one  company  was  marched  up  to  the  arsenal  to 
receive  guns.  Upon  seeing  that  they  were  Minnies,  they  de 
clined  to  take  them,  and  returned  to  camp  empty  handed. 
Their  decision  was  expressed  bluntly.  They  would  not  accept 
such  weapons;  in  fact  they  would  leave  the  army  first.  The 
details  of  the  dispute  are  somewhat  hazy ;  but  at  all  events,  on 
August  6th,  they  accepted  Enfield  and  Springfield  guns,  some 
receiving  one  kind  and  some  the  other.  Both  these  makes 

1 0.  R.  I.  U.  i.,  p.  427. 

2  Sandy  Hook  is  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Potomac,  nearly  oppo 
site  Harper's  Ferry. 


60  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  August   1 86 1 

were  muzzle  loaders,  and  many  were  the  disputes  as  time  went 
on,  as  to  which  carried  the  more  accurately. 

During  the  few  days  spent  at  Harrisburg,  there  was  much 
of  interest  to  see.  Camp  Curtin  was  filled  with  new  regiments, 
and  these  raw  recruits  looked  upon  the  Bucktails,  who  had 
been  fighting  and  scouting  for  six  weeks,  as  veterans.  By 
request,  one  evening  Colonel  Biddle  marched  the  Bucktails 
down  to  the  parade  ground. 

It  having  been  announced  the  day  before  that  they  would 
be  put  through  dress  parade,  the  camp  was  crowded  with 
visitors.  The  ground  itself  was  smooth,  hard  and  clean;  the 
men  had  taken  great  pains  with  their  personal  appearance ;  and 
their  Colonel  had  confidence  in  their  ability.  As  the  companies 
wheeled  into  line,  the  movement  was  executed  with  the  ac 
curacy  and  precision  of  machinery ;  and  when  the  Colonel  put 
them  through  the  manual  of  arms  their  execution  was  as  near 
perfect  as  possible.  "Order — arms,"  he  commanded.  The  blow 
of  the  butts  of  the  guns  on  the  hard  ground  was  so  like  the 
report  of  a  six-pounder,  that  the  soldiers  and  citizens  watching, 
broke  into  cheers.  Never  at  any  future  time  did  the  regiment 
acquit  itself  so  well,  and  each  man  felt  fully  repaid  for  his 
efforts  when  he  noted  the  proud  smiles  upon  the  faces  of 
Colonel  Biddle  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane. 

On  August  the  8th,  through  Special  Orders,  No.  168,  by 
order  of  Major-General  Banks,  the  Bucktails  were  assigned  to 
the  First  brigade,  Colonel  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding.1 
Accordingly  at  10  A.  M.  on  that  date,  tents  were  struck,  by 
noon  the  regiment  had  boarded  the  railroad  cars,  and  next 
morning  was  in  Baltimore.  Leaving  the  cars  at  7  A.  M.  the 
men  were  to  march  through  the  city  to  another  railroad,  which 
ran  to  their  destination.  Colonel  Biddle,  anxious  to  avoid 

'O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  442. 


INTO  THS  NATIONAL  SERVICE  61 

1 86 1  August  9] 

trouble,  ordered  his  men  to  march  with  empty  guns.  Remem 
bering  the  experience  of  the  Massachusetts  troops,  that  had 
been  assaulted  in  Baltimore  on  April  igth,  many  secretly  dis 
regarded  the  order  and  loaded  their  muskets.  The  precaution 
proved  unnecessary,  the  march  being  uneventful.  Boarding  the 
railroad  once  more,  before  night  they  disembarked  at  Sandy 
Hook. 

At  this  point  the  Bucktails  found  the  Second  regiment. 
This  regiment  had  been  having  an  unpleasant  experience. 
When  it  had  arrived  General  Banks  had  inquired  on  whose 
orders  it  had  come.  Ascertaining  that  it  had  come  on  its  own 
authority,  he  then  declined  to  have  anything  to  do  with  it, 
though  he  assigned  it  camping  ground.  The  men  were  shortly 
brought  under  the  influence  of  a  report,  that  as  they,  as  State 
troops,  had  crossed  the  border  line  without  being  mustered  into 
the  United  States  service,  they  were  free.  As  is  usual  in  such 
cases  the  trouble  was  increased  by  officers  who  hoped  to  profit 
by  it.  Rations  were  bad  and  quarters  were  worse.  When  an  at 
tempt  was  made  to  muster  the  regiment  into  the  United  States 
service,  about  a  fourth  refused  to  hold  up  their  hands.  The 
next  morning  the  attempt  was  repeated ;  those  who  already  had 
been  mustered  by  holding  up  their  hands,  being  ordered  to  do 
so  again.  It  seemed,  to  these  latter,  harder  to  get  in  than  out, 
and  a  number  declined.  A  third  of  the  regiment  was  thus  lost 
and  sent  home  in  disgrace.  Eleven  officers  were  detailed  to 
conduct  them,  the  order  reading  "this  order  is  peremptory  and 
"must  not  be  disobeyed."  On  arriving  at  Philadelphia,  Gov 
ernor  Curtin  refused  at  first  to  receive  the  officers  and  then 
showed  them  a  telegram  from  General  Banks'  Assistant  Adju 
tant-General,  stating  that  they,  as  well  as  the  men,  had  been 
sent  home,  having  refused  to  take  the  oath.  They  soon  con 
vinced  the  Governor  that  the  telegram  was  false;  but  on  re- 


62  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[9  August  1861 

turning  to  camp  they  found  that  the  men,  who  had  been  mus 
tered  twice  before  they  left,  had  been  made  to  go  through  the 
ceremony  a  third  time;  and  further,  that  as  after  the  third 
muster  the  men  had  been  informed  that  their  absent  officers 
would  not  return,  and  that  they,  the  men,  would  be  transferred 
to  other  companies,  some  companies,  naturally  disgusted,  had 
left  almost  in  a  body.1 

The  Bucktails  had  little  to  do  while  at  Sandy  Hook.  Lieu 
tenant  Harrower,  with  a  squad  conducted  some  rebels  to  Fort 
Henry  on  August  the  I4th;  but  with  this  exception  nothing 
seems  to  have  occurred.  Rations  were  "much  as  before,  except 
ing  that  bread  was  dispensed  with." 

On  August  1 6th,  orders  were  received  to  march.  On  the 
1 7th,  a  rainy  day,  the  regiment  marched  to  within  two  miles  of 
Jefferson,  a  distance  of  about  13  miles.  On  the  i8th,  it  covered 
6  miles,  reaching  Point  of  Rocks ;  on  the  igth,  passing  Buckeys- 
town,  it  arrived  at  the  Monocacy  river ;  and  on  the  2ist,  camped 
at  Hyattstown.  Upon  this  march,  the  regiment  suffered 
through  the  contemptible  acts  of  secessionist  sympathizers. 
Disregarding  the  codes  of  civilized  nations,  wells  were  pois 
oned,  and,  in  one  case  at  least,  a  soldier  asking  for  buttermilk 
at  the  rear  of  a  house,  was  given  a  glass  in  which  deadly  poison 
had  been  put.  At  least  three  of  the  Bucktails  died  in  a  few 
days  from  being  poisoned,  and  numbers  were  made  danger 
ously  ill.2 

At  Hyattstown  some  recruits  were  received,  and  here  the 

1  The  experience  of  the  Second  regiment  is  quoted  here  for  two 
reasons:    firstly,   as  a   matter  of  justice;    and   secondly,  as   a  possible 
explanation  as  to  why  no  attempt  was  made  to  muster  the  Bucktails. 
(See  "Our  Campaigns,"  by  Adjutant  E.  M.  Woodward.) 

2  Entries   in  various   diaries   establish   the  actuality  of  these   das 
tardly  deeds :    and  also  lead  to  the  belief  that  other  regiments  had  like 
experiences. 


INTO  THE;  NATIONAL  SERVICE;  63 

1 86 1   September  19] 

Nineteenth  New  York  got  into  trouble.  The  men  in  this  regi 
ment  had  enlisted  as  they  supposed  for  three  months ;  but  the 
Act  of  New  York,  of  April  16,  1861,  provided  that  the  volun 
teers  enlisted  under  it,  should  be  liable  to  be  turned  over  to  the 
United  States  Government  "at  all  times."  J  The  men  expected 
to  be  mustered  out  on  the  22nd,  but  the  Government  desired 
their  services  for  two  years,  and  so  requisitioned  the  State  of 
New  York.  Disappointed  though  they  were,  they  would  prob 
ably  have  acquiesced,  had  they  been  treated  with  less  display 
of  force,  or  had  the  matter  been  fully  explained  to  them.  But 
on  the  morning  of  the  22nd,  the  Bucktails  were  ordered  out 
with  fixed  bayonets,  while  Colonel  Thomas'  cavalry,  dis 
mounted,  formed  a  parallel  line  with  them.  At  the  far  end 
of  the  line  thus  formed  Perkin's  Rhode  Island  battery  was 
unlimbered.  Then  the  Nineteenth  New  York  was  marched, 
unsuspectingly,  into  the  lane  and  commanded  to  stack  arms. 
This  done,  they  were  told  that  the  Government  had  need  of 
their  services,  and  that  those  who  were  loyal  would  advance 
and  take  their  guns.  Stung  by  the  indignity  of  the  circum 
stances  203  men  refused.  Colonel  Thomas  then  ordered  the 
recusants  under  arrest.  Shortly  after,  the  Bucktails  were 
ordered  to  mount  guard  over  them,  the  quarters  in  which  they 
were  placed  being  described  as  an  old  "cow-pen."  General 
Banks  treated  the  mutineers  with  extreme  consideration.  On 
several  occasions  he  addressd  them  himself,  wisely  but  firmly. 
The  efforts  of  the  officers  and  their  Chaplain  also  had  effect. 
Ultimately  all  but  23  returned  to  their  commands.  Further 
persuasion  being  useless,  on  September  I7th,  twenty-three 
members  of  Company  A,  of  the  Bucktails,  conducted  the  re 
cusants  to  Fortress  Monroe,  where  they  were  sentenced  to 


1  "At  all  times"  during  two  years. 


64  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[29  August  1861 

hard  labor  for  two  years.  By  Special  Order  of  November  21, 
1861,  they  were  released  upon  consenting  to  serve  in  the  Second 
New  York,  in  which  regiment  they  made  good  reputations.1 

On  August  29th,  the  Bucktails  marched  to  near  Darnes- 
town.  Colonel  Thomas  was  detached  from  the  brigade  and 
Colonel  Biddle  succeeded  him  in  command.  While  at  Darnes- 
town  each  company  received  two  bugles.  As  this  apportion 
ment  resulted  in  more  bugles  than  men  with  ability  to  blow 
them,  the  result  was  far  from  pleasing.2  The  companies  took 
turns  at  guard  duty;  two  being  required  to  guard  the  camp 
and  one  the  Nineteenth  New  York  mutineers. 

By  this  time,  too,  the  men  were  making  advances  both  in 
cookery  and  in  obtaining  food ;  though  their  methods  were  still 
crude.  A  mess-pan  of  green  corn  and  potatoes  was  looked 
upon  as  a  delicacy.  When  the  guards  were  forbidden  to  pass 
any  in,  midnight  parties  stole  out  to  dig  potatoes  and  husk  corn. 
"Beef  was  scarce,  pork  plenty,  rice  and  beans  as  usual,  with 
"once  in  a  while  some  pressed  vegetables  which  were  used  to 
"make  soup  with."  Their  "rations  were  half  flour,  half  hard 

1  See  "Cayuga  in  the  Field" ;    by  Henry  and  James  Hall.      It  has 
been  charged,  how  correctly  it  is  impossible  to  decide,  that  the  trou 
ble  was   fanned   by   some  of  the   lower  officers,   who   intended,   if  the 
men  were  mustered  out,  to  have  them  re-enlisted  in  companies  to  be 
formed  by  themselves,  thus  assuring  to  themselves  higher  commissions 
than  they  then  held.      Adjutant  Woodward,  in  his  history  of  the  Sec 
ond   Reserves,    remarks,   "In   fact,   they  tried  the  same   game   on  that 
"had   been   so   successfully  played  by  the   mutineers   of  our   regiment, 
"but  they  had  the  wrong  man  to  deal  with."     ("Our  Campaigns,"  by  Ad 
jutant  E.  M.  Woodward,  p.  56.)     Like  the  Second  Reserves,  the  Nine 
teenth  New  York  later  proved  itself  to  be  of  exceeding  bravery. 

2  An  earnest  attempt  made  to  secure  the  names  of  all  the  musicians 
has  proven  futile.    In  the  muster  rolls  those  known  certainly  are  given. 
Some  of  the  musicians  seem  to  have  paid  less  attention  to  their  spe 
cial  duties  than  to  fighting.    The  band  never  had  a  Drum-Major.    When 
Colonel  Kane  drilled  his  battalion  he  had  a  special  drill  in  which  all 
the  commands  were  given  by  bugle  calls. 


INTO  THE:  NATIONAL  SICRVICS  65 

1 86 1   September  25] 

"crackers  and  in  a  while  some  Indian  meal."  The  flour  con 
stituted  a  difficulty.  At  first  it  was  cooked  by  making  a  thick 
dough  by  mixing  it  with  water,  and  then  frying  it  in  grease. 
This  method  answered  "very  well";  but  the  slap-jacks  that 
were  attempted  by  the  would-be-chefs  were  "as  heavy  as  lead."  ' 
If  they  were  heavier  than  bread  fried  in  grease,  their  weight 
must  have  been  great  indeed.  Later  on  an  oven  was  built  and 
soda  provided.  One  of  the  company  volunteered  to  help  and 
expectations  ran  high.  Then  they  "had  some  light  bread,  but 
"it  was  sour,  but  this  went  some  better  than  before." 

On  September  25th,  the  Bucktails  and  the  Second  regi 
ment  broke  camp,  and  marching  15  or  20  miles  reached  Tenal- 
lytown,  at  which  place  the  other  regiments  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserve  Corps  were  congregated,  under  the  command  of  Ma- 
jor-General  McCall,  as  a  division  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.* 

When  he  had  established  his  command  in  pleasant  camps, 
General  McCall  had  instructed  his  officers  to  use  all  possible 
diligence  in  instructing  their  regiments  in  military  matters. 
The  entire  Corps  proved  remarkably  apt,  and  it  has  been  said 
that  it  contained  Sergeants  fit  to  be  Generals,  and  Privates 
competent  to  command  brigades.  A  provisional  brigade  organi 
zation  had  been  made,  the  troops  had  passed  in  review  before 
President  Lincoln  and  General  McClellan;  and  had  been  pre 
sented  with  regimental  flags  by  Governor  Curtin,  purchased 
through  money  donated  by  the  Pennsylvania  Society  of  the 
Cincinnati.3  Then  on  September  i6th,  the  brigade  was  regu- 

*"Such  messes  it  would  have  made  our  mothers  smile  could  they 
"but  have  seen  us  cooking."  (Diary.) 

z  Immediately  after  the  defeat  at  Bull  Run,  General  McClellan  had 
been  ordered  east  to  assume  command  and  immediately  devoted  his 
energies  to  reorganizing  the  demoralized  troops  and  assimilating  the  new 
regiments  that  arrived  daily. 

3  This  flag  presentation  occurred  on  September  10,  1861,  while  the 

6 


66  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[25   September  1861 

larly  organized.  The  First  brigade  commanded  by  Brigadier- 
General  John  F.  Reynolds,  consisted  of  the  regiment  of  cavalry, 
and  the  Fifth,  First,  Second  and  Eighth  regiments ;  the  Second 
brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  George  G.  Meade, 
consisted  of  the  Bucktails,  the  Fourth,  Third,  Seventh  and 
Eleventh  regiments ;  the  Third  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel 
McCalmont1  of  the  Tenth,  consisted  of  the  Tenth,  Sixth,  Ninth 
and  Twelfth  regiments. 

Not  long  after  the  arrival  of  the  Bucktails  at  Tenallytown, 
they  noticed  that  visitors  to  their  camp  were  not  as  frequent 
as  to  others;  while  the  vendors  of  pies,  apples,  peanuts  and 
such  like  commodities  rarely  penetrated  within  its  precincts. 
It  seems  that  the  reputation  of  the  regiment  had  preceded  it, 
and  upon  its  arrival  men  of  other  regiments,  intent  on  adding 
to  their  food  supply,  committed  their  depredations  under  the 
protection  of  a  bucktail  in  their  caps.  It  is  too  much  to  say 
that  no  Bucktail  ever  violated  the  laws  of  property;  but  it  is 
certain  that  they  were  made  to  father  many  sins  not  their  own. 
Colonel  Biddle  prevailed  upon  Headquarter  authorities  to 
issue  an  order  prohibiting  the  wearing  of  bucktails,  by  men  not 
enrolled  in  his  regiment,  under  penalty  of  arrest.  Such  was  the 
effect,  that  but  little  time  elapsed  before  the  regiment  ceased 
to  be  regarded  as  a  band  of  Ishmaelites. 

When  the  Bucktails  came  into  camp  on  September  the 
25th,  they  were  hard  up,  financially.  The  State  had  paid  them 
up  to  the  time  they  had  returned  to  Harrisburg  after  their  cam- 

Bucktails  and  2nd  regiment  were  at  Darnestown;  these  regiments 
therefore  received  theirs  subsequently.  A  spirited  account  of  the  cere 
monies  at  Tenallytown  is  to  be  found  in  Sypher's  "History  of  the 
"Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  p.  114,  et  seq. 

1  This  appointment  was  to  be  in  force  only  until  the  arrival  of  the 
General  who  should  be  appointed. 


INTO  THE:  NATIONAL  SERVICE  67 

1861   October  9] 

paign  in  Maryland  and  Virginia.1  When  they  left  for  Sandy 
Hook  it  was  supposed  they  were  under  the  orders  of  the  Gov 
ernment  and  that  they  would  be  mustered  in  promptly.  But 
though  nearly  two  months  had  elapsed  they  had  not  been  mus 
tered.  When  the  pay-roll  was  made  out,  it  was  therefore 
necessary  to  leave  the  column,  "date  of  muster"  blank.  The 
Adjutant-General,  or  the  Paymaster,  thereupon  notified  Colonel 
Biddle,  that  his  regiment  was  not  in  the  service,  but  that  he 
would  send  a  mustering  officer  immediately.  Colonel  Biddle 
inquired  if  the  muster  would  date  from  the  time  the  regiment 
entered  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  was  informed  that 
the  muster  would  date  from  the  date  the  muster  was  made — 
that  it  was  impossible  to  ante-date  any  muster.  Colonel  Biddle 
promptly  notified  the  authorities  that  if  he  and  his  regiment 
were  not  then  in  the  United  States  service,  they  never  would 
be.  Further,  that  he  would  immediately  march  his  regiment 
back  to  Harrisburg,  as  at  that  place,  at  least,  no  question  would 
be  raised  as  to  his  regiment  having  been  mustered.  The  au 
thorities  knew  that  the  Bucktail  Colonel  was  a  man  of  his  word, 
and  they  also  knew  that  the  regiment  had  been  actually  per 
forming  service  under  the  orders  of  the  National  Government : 
hence  a  compromise  was  effected.  The  pay-rolls  were  made 
out  "Mustered  into  service  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War." 
This  was  the  only  muster  ever  made  of  the  Bucktails.2 

1  In  his  message  to  the  Legislature,  January  8,  1862,  Governor 
Curtin  stated  that  the  expense  of  raising,  clothing,  maintaining,  etc.,  the 
Reserve  Corps  including  "the  expenses  of  the  campaign  of  the  two 
"regiments  and  companies  in  Maryland  and  western  Virginia,  which 
"were  all  defrayed  by  the  State,  has  amounted  to  $855.444.87."  ("An- 
"drew  Gregg  Curtin:  his  life  and  services,"  p.  236.) 

2  "One  of  the  regiments,  First  Pennsylvania  Rifles,  were  never 
"mustered  into  the  U.  S.  service,  but  have  been  held  on  their  muster 
"into  the  State  service,  which  provided  for  their  transfer  to  the  United 
"States."  (From  a  communication  regarding  the  discharge  of  the  Re 
serve  Corps  sent  to  the  War  Department,  by  General  Meade,  dated 
April  24,  1864.  O.  R.  I.  XXXIIL,  p.  925.) 


68  HISTORY  o*  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[9  October  1861 

On  October  9th,  the  division  was  ordered  to  cross  the 
Potomac  and  enter  the  State  of  Virginia.  To  the  Bucktails  was 
given  the  advance.  The  troops  were  ordered  to  carry  two  days' 
cooked  rations  and  sixty  rounds  of  ammunition,  quite  a  heavy 
load  for  the  majority  of  the  regiments  who  had  had  no  active 
experience.  By  the  night  of  the  loth  camp  was  established  at 
Langley,  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  Potomac,  some  ten  miles 
northwest  from  Washington,  while  in  honor  of  the  loyal  Gov 
ernor  of  the  State,  the  men  named  it  "Camp  Pierpont." 

The  location  of  the  new  camp  caused  the  division  of  Penn 
sylvania  Reserves  to  become  the  right  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  which  by  the  end  of  October  must  have  numbered 
over  150,000  men.  This  force  was  concentrated  in  the  vicinity 
of  Washington.  On  October  i8th,  having  received  informa 
tion,  which  later  proved  to  be  incorrect,  that  the  Confederates 
had  abandoned  the  vicinity  of  Leesburg,  General  McClellan 
ordered  General  McCall  to  make  on  the  following  morning  a 
reconnaissance  to  Dranesville.  By  the  evening  of  the  iQth,  two 
brigades  laid  at  Difficult  Creek,  the  third  with  the  Bucktails, 
sleeping  at  Dranesville  itself.1  The  next  day  reconnaissances 
were  made  in  all  directions.  Companies  A,  G,  H,  I  and  K, 
under  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane,  moved  in  the 
direction  of  Hunter's  Mills.  Marching  along  the  crest  of  a  hill 
the  party  sighted  a  squad  of  cavalry  on  another  hill  some  ten 
or  twelve  hundred  yards  away.  The  enemy  passed  behind  the 
shelter  of  some  trees,  but  one  of  them,  bolder  than  the  rest, 
stepped  in  front  of  the  cover.  The  distance  which  separated 
him  from  the  Bucktails  warranted  his  considering  himself 
safe.  Yet  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  looked  around  and  calmly 
ordered  three  men  to  pick  him  off.  They  dropped  to  their  knees, 

1  See  McCall's  testimony,  "Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  th« 
"Conduct  of  the  War,"  Part  II.,  p.  257,  et  seq. 


INTO  THE  NATIONAL  SERVICE  69 

1861  October  28] 

took  aim  and  fired.  Useless  as  the  attempt  to  hit  a  man  at  such  a 
distance  seemed,  the  volley  was  successful,  the  cavalryman 
being  shot  through  the  back  of  his  head,  the  ball  coming  out  at 
the  eye.1  Carrying  his  body  with  them,  the  Confederates  made 
off,  after  a  sharp  skirmish.* 

At  8  A.  M.  on  the  2ist,  General  McCall  was  ordered  by 
General  McClellan  to  return  to  camp,  and  did  so.  Had  this 
order  not  been  issued,  it  is  possible  the  massacre  at  Ball's  Bluff, 
later  in  the  day,  would  have  been  averted.8 

After  the  Bucktails  had  returned  to  Camp  Pierpont  the 
weather  commenced  to  get  cold,  a  heavy  frost  occurring  on  the 
25th.  On  the  28th,  General  McCall  reviewed  the  troops,  but 

1  By  securing  his  cap  dropped  by  those  carrying  away  his  body, 
he  was  identified  as  Captain  White,  of  the  5th  Virginia  cavalry.      A 
dispute  arose  as  to  which  gun  fired  the  successful  bullet,  but  it  seems 

to  be  the  general  belief  that  it  was  an  Enfield  in  the  hands  of  

,  of  Company  G.     Later  such  feats  of  marksmanship  became  fre 
quent. 

2  "I  ...  met    Lieutenant-Colonel    Kane    with    a    battalion    of    the 
"Tigertail  Rangers,  who  had  a  skirmish  with  a  detachment  of  secession 
ists  at  that  place  and  routed  them.  .  .  .  Colonel  Kane  afforded  me  every 
"facility  for  the  reconnaissance  in  his  power."    (Whipple's  report,  O.  R. 
I.  V.,  p.  288.) 

3  See  again  McCall's  testimony,  "Report  of  the  Joint  Committee 
"on  the  Conduct  of  the  War,"  Part  II.,  p.  259,  for  particulars  as  to  the 
order.    A  little  higher  up  the  Potomac  some  Union  troops,  under  Gen 
eral  Stone,  had  been  ordered  to  co-operate  with  McCall  by  making  a 
feint  at  crossing  from  the  north  to  the  south  bank  of  the  river.     Be 
lieving  the  enemy  not  to  be  in  force,  and  believing  that  McCall  was  in 
supporting   distance,    Stone   on   the  2ist   ordered   some  of  his   troops 
across.     Having  crossed,  the  troops  advanced,  but  were  pushed  back  to 
the  bluff.     Stone  then  sent  a  force  under  Colonel  Baker  to  their  assist 
ance.     The    Confederates,   knowing  that   McCall   had   withdrawn,   im 
proved  their  opportunity.    The  battle  degenerated  into  a  massacre.  The 
Union  troops  having  in  default  of  a  bridge  been  ferried  over,  were  now 
hurled  back  by  an  overwhelming  force  to  the  edge  of  the  bluff,  to  be 
shot  or  drowned.    Their  loss  was  about  1000;    while  the  Confederates 
lost  but  155  according  to  the  official  reports. 


70  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[28  October  1861 

with  this  exception  little  happened  of  interest.  Winter  caps 
and  winter  coats  were  received,  also  new  cartridge  boxes,  etc. ; 
then  as  rain  and  snow  became  more  frequent,  the  men  worked 
at  their  winter  quarters  and  erected  fire-places. 

Some  time  during  this  month,  Brigadier-General  Edward 
O.  C.  Ord  reported  for  duty  to  General  McCall,  and  was  as 
signed  to  the  command  of  the  Third  brigade. 

Colonel  Biddle  had  been  elected  a  member  of  Congress, 
and  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  resign  his  military  commission,  in 
order  to  take  his  seat  untrammeled.  A  Brigadier-Generalship 
was  offered  to  him,  but  he  declined  it,  believing  that  he  could 
best  serve  his  country  in  its  legislative  body.  Leaving  the 
Bucktails  on  November  the  25th,  his  resignation  was  officially 
accepted  on  December  I2th,  1861.  There  was  a  sugges 
tion  made  that  the  regiment  should  immediately  elect  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Kane  to  the  Colonelcy;  but  he,  remembering 
that  he  had  once  before  resigned  the  position,  felt  that  he  would 
prefer  to  let  the  men  see  how  he  administered  the  office  before 
seeking  election.  The  vacancy  therefore  was  not  rilled. 

The  vicious  nature  of  the  law  that  permitted  the  men  in 
the  Reserve  Corps  to  elect  their  own  officers,  was  already  com 
mencing  to  bear  fruit  in  the  creation  of  jealousies  and  the 
formation  of  cliques.  The  Bucktails  probably  suffered  less 
than  others,  still  they  did  not  escape. 

The  principal  promotions  in  the  regiment  to  the  middle 
of  December  were  as  follows : 

L.  W.  Gifford,  Second-Lieutenant,  of  Company  C/  was 

lLeander  Wallace  Gifford  was  born  April  16,  1834,  in  Norwich, 
McKean  County,  Pa.  He  was  educated  at  the  Smethport  High  School. 
Upon  attaining  manhood  he  embarked  in  mercantile  business,  being 
associated  with  N.  S.  Butler,  Olean,  N.  Y.  Upon  the  outbreak  of  the 
war  he  became  a  member  of  Company  C,  and  upon  its  organization 
was  elected  Second-Lieutenant.  Promoted  to  Captain  in  1861  he  par- 


INTO  THfi  NATIONAL  SERVICE;  71 

1861    December   18] 

promoted  to  Captain  of  Company  C,  to  succeed  Captain  John 
A.  Kldred,  who  resigned ;  and  First-Sergeant  Oscar  D.  Jenkins 
was  promoted  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

W.  R.  Hartshorne,  First-Lieutenant  of  Company  K,  was 
transferred  to  the  Signal  Corps.2  Chandler  Hall,  First-Lieu 
tenant  of  Company  H,  was  promoted  to  Captain  and  Acting 
Quartermaster,  U.  S.  V.  To  fill  the  vacancy,  John  D.  Yerkes, 
Orderly-Sergeant,  was  elected  First-Lieutenant.  Second-Lieu 
tenant  Evan  P.  Dixon,  being  thus  passed  over  resigned  from 
the  service  and  shortly  after  Joel  Swayne  was  elected  Second- 
Lieutenant.1 

ticipated  in  the  Valley  campaign,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane,  in 
1862,  being  wounded  at  Harrisonburg.  The  wound  and  exposure  under 
mined  his  strength  and  he  was  compelled  to  resign  November  17,  1862. 
Subsequently  to  the  war  he  resumed  mercantile  life  at  Emporium,  Pa. 
Then  he  became  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Hall  &  Kaul,  at  St.  Mary's, 
Pa.  He  was  engaged  in  the  drug  business  for  a  short  time,  but  re 
moved  to  Washington,  and  under  President  Cleveland  was  appointed  to 
a  position  in  the  Solicitor's  office  of  the  Treasury.  He  afterwards  be 
came  a  lieutenant  of  the  watch  of  the  Treasury,  holding  that  position 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  on  January  12,  1901.  He  was  a  Mason 
of  the  32d  degree. 

2  This  assignment  took  effect  apparently  early  in  the  summer  of 
1861. 

3  The  record  of  Captain  Yerkes  precludes  the  possibility  of  ques 
tioning  his  fitness.    But  the  ability  of  the  men  to  prevent  officers  rising 
was  well  illustrated  in  his  case. 


THE    WINTER    OF    1861. 
II. 

DRANESVILLE. 

General  McClellan  had  risen  at  one  leap  to  the  command 
of  the  army,  after  its  defeat  at  Bull  Run,  through  the  prestige 
of  his  successful  campaign  in  western  Virginia.  This  rapidity 
of  his  rise  deprived  him  of  the  opportunity  of  more  active 
service  in  minor  commands.  Yet  he  was  without  doubt  abso 
lutely  unequalled  as  an  organizer.  His  ability  in  this  respect 
was  phenomenal;  his  results  were  produced  with  remarkable 
rapidity. 

He  knew  that  only  well  organized  and  drilled  troops  could 
hope  to  succeed  against  those  of  the  South,  officered  as  they 
were  for  the  most  part,  by  graduates  of  the  United  States  Mili 
tary  Academy.  As  the  troops  from  the  Northern  States  poured 
into  Washington  they  were,  through  his  efforts,  transformed 
from  recruits  into  soldiers.  While  a  delay  in  resuming  active 
operations  against  the  South,  was  not  only  desirable,  but  neces 
sary,  an  extended  period  of  inactivity  was  little  relished  by  the 
North.  The  Confederate  army  not  only  remained  in  possession 
of  the  Bull  Run  battle-field,  in  sight  of  Washington ;  but  con 
trolled  the  Potomac  below  the  capital,  thus  crippling  her  com 
merce.  McClellan,  from  his  knowledge  of  the  necessities 
of  an  army,  was  desirous  of  obtaining  an  ideal  equipment  of 
men  and  supplies  before  undertaking  offensive  movements. 
Hence  no  operations  were  undertaken  from  July  to  December, 

72 


73 

1 86 1   December   19] 

with  the  exception  of  that  resulting  in  the  disaster  of  Ball's 
Bluff,  which  only  served  to  fan  the  flame  of  desire,  on  the  part 
of  the  Government  authorities,  for  action  that  would  result  in 
effective  retaliation.  As  winter  came  on  the  difficulties  of  such 
operations  increased.  The  soil  and  climate  of  Virginia  are  most 
unfavorable  to  military  movements.  Without  warning,  storms 
cause  the  rivers  that  flow  across  the  State  to  rise  with  such 
speed  as  to  preclude  their  being  crossed  by  armies,  and  at  the 
same  time  turn  the  roads  into  quagmires. 

Notwithstanding  this  period  of  preparation,  however,  a 
battle  was  fought  before  the  year  closed.  On  December  igth, 
General  McCall  received  reports,  indicating  that  the  enemy  had 
pushed  a  strong  foraging  party  towards  Dranesville.  He  im 
mediately  ordered  General  Ord  to  move  his  brigade  the  next 
morning  in  that  direction,  with  the  two-fold  object  of  driving- 
away  the  enemy's  pickets  and  of  obtaining  forage  himself.  To 
strengthen  Ord's  brigade,  the  Bucktails,  a  force  of  cavalry,  and 
Captain  Easton's  Battery  A,  were  ordered  to  accompany  it.1 

The  Confederate  foraging  party,  in  search  of  hay,  was 
stronger  than  suspected.  It  was  protected  by  four  regiments 
of  infantry,  aggregating  1,600  men,  150  cavalry,  and  a  battery 
of  four  pieces,  all  under  the  command  of  General  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart.2 

No  election  having  been  held  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned 
by  the  resignation  of  Colonel  Biddle,  the  command  of  the 
Bucktails  naturally  devolved  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane. 
At  this  time  he  was  lying  ill  in  Washington.  Fearful  that  some 
active  operation  or  forward  movement  would  be  made,  while 
he  was  absent,  he  had  extorted  promises  from  a  friend  and 
his  surgeon  to  advise  him  should  marching  orders  be  received. 

1 0.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  480-481. 

2  Stuart's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V..  p.  490. 


74  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[20  December   1861 

Upon  receiving  notice  of  the  projected  reconnaissance  through 
these  sources,  he  insisted  on  being  moved.  Wrapped  in  blan 
kets,  he  was  carried  to  an  ambulance  and  thus  taken  to  his  tent. 
The  next  morning,  to  the  surprise  of  his  regiment,  he  took  his 
place  on  horse-back  at  its  head. 

Starting  at  5  A.  M.  General  Ord  moved  his  column  along 
the  road  towards  Dranesville.  Reports  had  led  him  to  believe 
that  the  force  he  was  likely  to  meet  was  not  very  strong  and 
was  destitute  of  artillery.  Some  confusion  in  the  movements 
of  his  own  troops  caused  him  to  enter  Dranesville,  12  miles 
from  his  starting  place,  with  only  his  cavalry  and  artillery, 
supplemented  by  the  Bucktail  and  Ninth  regiments  which  were 
thrown  out  as  flankers. 

Dranesville  is  situated  on  the  Leesburg  pike,  which  runs 
southeast  from  Leesburg  to  Alexandria.  The  road  from  Camp 
Pierpont,  over  which  the  regiments  had  moved,  runs  into  the 
Leesburg  pike  at  a  sharp  angle,  a  short  distance  east  of  Dranes 
ville,  and  at  a  still  shorter  distance  east  of  this  junction  a  road 
runs,  at  right  angles  from  the  pike,  southwest  to  Centreville. 
South  of  the  Leesburg  pike,  on  both  sides  of  the  Centreville 
road,  there  is  open  ground;  the  clearing  being  double  the 
width  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  road  than  it  is  on  the  western 
side.  In  this  wide  clearing  there  is  a  brick  house.  Beyond  the 
clearing  and  fields,  on  each  side,  are  heavy  woods. 

As  General  Ord  was  in  Dranesville,  he  was  therefore  in  a 
position  where  the  Centreville  road  entered  the  pike  in  his  rear. 
While  waiting  for  the  other  regiments  to  arrive  he  placed  the 
artillery,  cavalry,  Ninth  regiment  and  two  companies  of  Buck- 
tails  in  positions  to  defend  the  approaches  of  the  town.  The 
remaining  ten  companies  of  Bucktails,  under  Lieutenant-Colo 
nel  Kane  were  ordered  to  occupy  the  pike.1 

1  Ord's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  478. 


75 

1 86 1    December  20] 

Kane,  who  during  the  advance  to  Dranesville,  had  been 
scouting,  had  already  noticed  the  brick  house,1  before  men 
tioned,  and  realized  that  it  would  prove  of  great  value,  should 
the  enemy,  advancing  up  the  Centreville  road,  attack  on  both 
sides  of  that  road.  His  present  duty,  however,  was  to  investi 
gate  the  woods,  between  the  Leesburg  pike  and  the  Potomac 
river.  After  some  distance  had  been  covered,  the  regiment  ar 
rived  at  a  farm-house,  and  here  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  captured 
a  man  accused  of  shooting  pickets.  Forwarding  the  captive  to 
the  proper  authorities,  the  regiment  commenced  to  retrace  their 
steps ;  but  hardly  had  they  done  so,  when  an  orderly  from 
General  Ord,  delivered  a  message  to  the  Lieutenant-Colonel. 
The  latter  raised  himself  in  his  stirrups  and  gave  the  command : 
"Forward,  Bucktails,  there's  fun  ahead."  The  men  broke  into 
a  run,  came  down  the  road  to  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the 
enemy,  filed  right,  and  came  into  line.  The  line  covered  the 
brick  house,  and  Lieutenant  Rice,  with  Company  I,  was  ordered 
to  take  possession  of  the  building  itself. 

By  this  time  the  Confederates  were  moving  to  the  attack. 
Captain  Niles,  with  Company  E,  of  the  Bucktails,  and  Captain 
Smith,  with  Company  A,  of  the  Ninth  regiment,  having  been 
detached  and  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers,  first  felt  the  as 
sault.  They  now,  falling  back  slowly  before  the  enemy,  re 
gained  touch  with  their  respective  regiments.2  General  Ord 

'The  house  had  been  occupied  by  General  McCall  in  October. 
(Kane's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  481.) 

2  See  map  drawn  by  H.  H.  Strickler,  of  Company  A,  Ninth  Regi 
ment,  O.  R.  Atlas,  Vol.  I,  Plate  XLI.  The  sketch  accompanying  report 
of  General  Ord.,  O.  R.  Atlas,  Vol.  I,  plate  XIII.,  is  inferior.  The 
official  reports  of  the  battle,  printed  in  O.  R.  I.  V.,  are  not  as  clear  as 
might  be  desired;  but  an  excellent  account  by  Colonel  A.  P.  Sharpe, 
who  was  on  General  Ord's  staff,  was  printed  some  time  since  in  the 
Philadelphia  Weekly  "Times,"  and  reprinted  in  the  "Carlisle  Herald." 
Numerous  other  reports  are,  of  course,  current. 


76  HISTORY  OP  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[20  December   1861 

ordered  his  artillery  into  position,  but  in  its  endeavor  to  act 
promptly,  the  battery  ran  past  its  station  and  upset  one  of  its 
guns.  Thus  the  Confederate  artillery  opened  fire  about  fifteen 
minutes  before  Captain  Easton  could  get  his  guns  working.1 
When  the  battery  did  open,  it  did  so  with  magnificent  effect; 
its  third  shot  hitting  the  opposing  battery  and  compelling  its 
withdrawal.2 

When  the  battle  assumed  form  the  Union  line  was  formed 
by  the  Bucktails  on  the  left  (east  of  the  Centreville  road),  a 
portion  of  the  Sixth  regiment  in  the  center  and  the  Ninth  regi 
ment  on  the  right  (both  the  latter  west  of  the  Centreville  road), 
The  battery  was  in  the  rear,  fronting  down  the  Centreville  road, 
but  on  the  north  side  of  the  Leesburg  pike  which  runs  at  right 
angles  to  the  Centreville  road.  The  other  regiments  and  the 
cavalry  were  in  reserve.  The  Confederates  had  made  an  at 
tempt  to  turn  the  Union  left  flank,  leaving  the  cover  of  the 
woods  and  charging  forward  in  good  form.  But  the  Bucktails 
had  met  the  attack  with  such  a  vigorous  and  well  directed  fire 
that  the  Confederates  had  retreated  to  the  woods.3  On  the 
right  Colonel  Jackson's  Ninth  regiment  had  maintained  its 
position  bravely.4 

General  Ord  having  placed  his  cavalry  safely  on  the  left 
flank ;  and  ordered  Captain  Easton  to  right  the  overturned  gun 
and  place  it  with  two  others  in  an  advantageous  position,  found 

1  Stuart's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  491. 

2  Eastern's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  489. 

3  According  to  General  Stuart's  report   (O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  491),  this 
attack  was  made  principally  by  the  roth  Alabama  and  6th  Carolina,  both 
regiments  losing  heavily. 

4  It  suffered  more  than  necessary,  through  the  enemy  gaining  the 
first  fire.     Understanding  the  Bucktails  were  close  to  them,  and  fear 
ful  of  firing  on  members  of  their  own  brigade,  one  of  the  men  had  chal 
lenged  the  Confederate  troops  with,  "Are  you  the  Bucktails?"     The 
answer,  "Yes,"  was  but  the  prelude  to  a  murderous  volley. 


OF   THE 

(UNIVERSITY 


LIEUT. -Cor,.  AivANSQN  E.  NILES 


77 

1861    December  20] 

that  his  artillery  had  practically  silenced  the  enemy's,  and 
showed  no  signs  of  being  discomposed  by  the  fire  directed 
at  it. 

The  other  regiments  assigned  to  positions  in  reserve,  were 
sheltering  themselves  in  ditches  and  under  fences,  as  best  they 
could.  None  of  the  brigade,  with  the  exception  of  the  Buck- 
tails  had  previously  been  under  fire;  hence  General  Ord's  de 
cision,  which  he  now  made,  to  push  forward  his  infantry,  in 
volved  a  test  of  their  mettle.  Their  task,  made  easier  by  the 
wonderful  practice  of  Captain  Easton's  battery,  was  to  cross 
the  fields,  enter  the  woods  and  drive  back  the  enemy. 

General  Ord  personally  superintended  the  charge,  at  the 
head  of  which  Kane  placed  himself  with  his  Bucktails.1  The 
Ninth  regiment,  led  by  the  intrepid  Jackson,  was  no  less  eager 
to  prove  its  valor.  The  column  swept  forward,  General 
Ord  doing  his  utmost  to  urge  on  the  rear  regiments.  In  the 
front,  Captain  Niles  of  the  Bucktails,  his  tall  figure  rendering 
him  dangerously  conspicuous,  charged  forward,  till  a  bullet, 
piercing  his  lung,  made  him  drop  to  the  ground. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  was  struck  in  the  face  by  a  ball 
that  pierced  his  upper  jaw.  A  moment's  halt,  just  sufficient  to 
tie  a  bandage  of  some  sort,  and  he  again,  despite  the  pain  and 
loss  of  blood,  resumed  his  position  at  the  lead  of  his  men.  In 
the  face  of  such  determination,  resistance  was  useless.  Break 
ing  in  disorder  the  Confederates  fled. 

General  Ord,  having  heard  that  General  McCall  had 
arrived  on  the  ground,  had,  after  he  saw  that  the  brigade  had 
gained  the  woods,  formerly  occupied  by  the  Confederates,  gone 
to  the  rear  to  report.  General  McCall  had  ordered  up  the 
brigade  of  General  Reynolds  to  support  Ord's;  but  before 

*"Kane,  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  leading.  His  and  Jackson's 
"regiments  required  no  urging."  (Ord's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  479.) 


78  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[20  December   1861 

it  arrived  the  battle  had  been  won.  A  pursuit  of  half  a  mile 
was  all  that  was  permitted,  after  which  General  McCall  ordered 
General  Ord  to  withdraw  his  brigade.  The  Bucktails,  who 
requested  a  few  minutes'  grace,  were  thus  deprived  of  the  cap 
ture  of  a  gun  abandoned  by  their  opponents. 

The  moral  effect  of  the  victory,  thus  achieved  by  one 
brigade  of  the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  cannot  be 
overestimated.  It  was  the  first  victory  gained  by  troops  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  coming  after  the  disaster  of  Bull 
Run  and  the  massacre  of  Ball's  Bluff,  had  an  added  signifi 
cance.  Though  the  number  of  men  engaged  was  not  large,  the 
battle  afforded  proof,  both  of  the  ability  of  Northern  officers, 
and  the  valor  of  Northern  troops.  General  Ord's  force  was 
little,  if  any,  superior  in  numbers  to  that  of  General  Stuart's ; 
yet  he  inflicted  more  than  three  times  the  punishment  he  re 
ceived,  his  loss  being  68,  to  Stuart's  IQ4.1 

In  a  dispatch  to  General  McClellan,  General  McCall  said : 

"Ord's  brigade,  with  the  First  Rifles,  and  Easton's  battery, 
''had  a  brisk  affair  with  four  regiments  and  a  battery  of  the 
"rebels  at  12  M.  to-day.  .  .  .  The  Rifles  behaved  finely. 
"Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  very  slightly  wounded,  but  still  in  the 
"field."2 

In  his  official  report,  General  Ord  says : 

"The  wounded  officers,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  and  Cap- 
"tain  Niles,  of  the  Kane  Rifles  .  .  .  were  conspicuous, 
"leading  their  men  when  wounded. "* 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  in  his  official  report,  says: 

"Of  my  own  officers  and  the  men  I  love  I  am  too  proud 
"to  say  more  than  that  they  all,  without  an  exception,  did  their 

1  Ord"s  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  489.  Stuart's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p. 
494- 

1  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  473-474- 
3  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  480. 


79 

1861   December  20] 

"duty;  but  it  is  my  place  to  mention  the  courage  of  Captain 
"Ent  during  the  brief  period  when  you  were  good  enough  to 
"place  the  Sixth  under  my  command.  I  cannot  consider  it  out  of 
"place,  either,  for  me  to  bear  my  own  testimony  to  the  admir- 
"able  conduct  of  Captain  Easton  and  the  brave  artillerists  with 
"him,  who  served  the  guns  of  Battery  A,  from  the  regiment  of 
"the  gallant  Charles  T.  Campbell. 

"I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  report  of  Dr.  S.  D.  Freeman,  regi- 
"mental  surgeon,  showing  a  list  of  3  killed  and  27  wounded. 
"I  trust  the  life  of  Captain  Niles  will  be  spared  to  his  friends 
"and  his  country.  He  led  the  flankers  on  the  left  yesterday, 
"and  though  his  tall  figure  made  him  a  conspicuous  mark  for 
"the  enemy's  rifles,  he  did  not  cease  exposing  himself  to  cheer 
"on  his  men  until  he  fell.  This  was  but  little  before  the  enemy 
"retired."1 

The  official  casualty  report  shows  the  total  loss  of  the 
brigade  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  to  have  been  68.  The 
Bucktail  loss  was : 

Killed.     Wounded.     Missing.       Total. 

Officers    2  .  .  2 

Men    3  24  .  .  27 

Total 3  26  29' 

1  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  481-482.     Unfortunately,  the  report  of  the  service 
performed  is  not  as  full  as  might  be  desired,  Kane's  modesty  causing 
him  to  say,  "You  saw  the  rest."     The  commendatory  portion  has  been 
quoted  in  full  as  an  example  of  Kane's  generous  recognition  of  brav 
ery,  whether  in  his  own  regiment  or  another's.   His  own  wound  remains 
unmentioned.     For  the  short  time  that  Kane  had  virtual  charge  of  the 
brigade,  Captain  McNeil  led  the  regiment. 

2  O.   R.   I.   V.,   p.  489.     Kane's   report,   3  killed  and   27  wounded. 
was  therefore  incorrect  by  one.     The  mention  by  name,  excepting  in 
the  muster  rolls,  of  men  killed  or  wounded  in  battle,  does  not  come 
within  the  scope  of  this  "History,"  unless  some  particularly  conspicu 
ous  act  of  bravery  was  the  cause  of  such  death  or  wound  being  received. 


8o  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[20  December  1861 

the  largest  sustained  by  any  regiment  in  the  brigade.  The 
Sixth  regiment  lost  15,  and  the  Ninth  22;  thus  the  three  regi 
ments  that  did  the  fighting  before  the  charge  lost  66  men. 
The  Tenth  and  Twelfth  lost  I  between  them,  the  battery  escaped 
miraculously  with  a  loss  of  I,  and  the  cavalry  was  unengaged. 

When  the  enemy  fled  he  did  so  in  disorder.  "The 
"road  was  strewed  with  men  and  horses ;  two  caissons,  one  of 
"them  blown  up;  a  limber;  a  gun-carriage  wheel;  a  quantity 
"of  artillery  ammunition,  small-arms,  and  an  immense  quantity 
"of  heavy  clothing,  blankets,  etc."1 

General  McCall,  in  ordering  the  division  to  return  to  Camp 
Pierpont,  was  hampered  by  the  want  of  ambulances;  being 
compelled  to  leave  many  of  his  wounded  prisoners  in  Dranes- 
ville,  where  they  could  receive  proper  attention.  With  him  he 
took  his  forage — sixteen  wagon  loads  of  excellent  hay  and 
twenty-two  of  corn.2 

The  troops  arrived  at  their  camp  the  same  evening,  thor 
oughly  exhausted.  In  addition  to  doing  battle  they  had  marched 
twenty-five  miles,  hence  they  hastened  to  turn  in  as  rapidly 
as  possible. 

So  rejoiced  were  the  Nation  and  the  Government  at  the 
victory,  that  on  December  28th,  Simon  Cameron,  the  Secre 
tary  of  War,  addressed  a  congratulatory  letter  to  General 
McCall,  in  which,  after  expressing  his  delight  that  it  had  been 
given  to  Pennsylvania  troops  to  inspire  confidence  in  the  ulti- 

A  list  of  all  the  men  killed  or  wounded  in  any  one  battle  would  be 
meaningless,  both  because  of  its  size  and  because  it  is  embodied  in  the 
muster  rolls.  A  partial  list  would  be  obviously  unfair  to  those  omit 
ted.  Yet  it  is  probably  not  out  of  place  to  mention  here  the  death  of 
George  Cook,  of  Company  E,  after  whom  the  G.  A.  R.,  Post  315,  of 
Wellsboro,  is  named,  he  being  the  first  man  from  Wellsboro  County 
to  die  in  battle. 

'McCall's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  475. 

a  McCall's  report,  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  476. 


81 

1 86 1   December  20] 

mate  triumph  of  the  cause,  he  added :  "Other  portions  of  the 
"Army  will  be  stimulated  by  their  brave  deeds,  and  men  will  be 
"proud  to  say  that  at  Dranesville  they  served  under  McCall 
"and  Ord.m 

Governor  Curtin,  through  General  Russell,  Aide-de-Camp, 
also  issued  a  congratulatory  order,  commencing  "The  gal 
lantry  of  our  troops  at  Dranesville  demands  a  public  acknowl- 
"edgment."  The  Governor,  in  addition,  personally  visited  the 
camp,  to  insure  everything  being  done,  that  was  possible,  to 
help  and  relieve  the  wounded. 

General  McCall  issued  another  congratulatory  order,  and 
caused  both  the  letters  from  Secretary  Cameron  and  Governor 
Curtin  to  be  read  to  the  different  regiments.  The  colors  of 
the  regiments  engaged  in  the  battle  were  taken  to  Washing 
ton  and  on  each  flag,  "Dranesville,  December  20,  1861,"  was 
painted  in  golden  letters.2 

1  O.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  477- 

1  See  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  by  Justin  R. 
Sypher,  p.  140-141. 


THE    WINTER    OF    1861. 
III. 

CAMP     PIERPONT. 


After  a  few  days  had  elapsed  and  the  men  in  the  different 
regiments  had  satisfied  those  who  approached  them  in  regard 
to  the  battle,  the  camp  settled  down  to  the  almost  mechanical 
execution  of  routine  orders.  The  first  Christmas  Day  in  the 
army,  passed  with  hardly  an  occurrence  to  differentiate  it  from 
ordinary  days,  thus  accentuating  in  the  minds  of  all,  the  lack 
of  sentiment  that  is  the  dominant  factor  of  military  life.  Still, 
possibly  with  a  view  of  recognizing  the  day  in  some  degree, 
Governor  Curtin  reviewed  the  division. 

The  winter  proved  cold,  and  snow  fell  in  such  quantities 
that  it,  or  the  mud  that  it  caused,  necessitated  the  postpone 
ment  of  drills  on  several  occasions. 

The  question  of  a  Colonel  to  succeed  Colonel  Biddle 
assumed  a  serious  aspect.  Colonel  Biddle  had  been  remark 
ably  proficient  in  drilling;  in  fact,  to  his  untiring  efforts,  and 
great  knowledge  of  the  subject,  was  due  the  extremely  rapid 
progress  that  the  regiment  had  made.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kane,  on  the  other  hand,  was  somewhat  deficient  in  this  branch 
of  military  knowledge.  His  temperament  was  such  that  the 
mechanical  side  of  it  both  impressed  and  became  irksome  to 
him;  hence  when  putting  the  regiment  through  a  drill,  it  not 
infrequently  happened  that  he  made  mistakes.  The  unfor- 
tunateness  of  such  a  condition  of  affairs  was  increased  by  the 
82 


CAMP  PISRPONT  83 

1861   December] 

fact  that  the  men  themselves  took  much  pride  in  drilling,  and 
that  in  each  company  more  than  one  man  could  be  found 
capable  of  commanding  a  regiment,  if  not  a  brigade,  during  a 
review. 

The  evil  results  of  placing  in  the  hands  of  the  men,  the 
power  of  electing  their  own  officers  quickly  became  apparent. 
Every  man  was  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  had  been  the  inspiration  of  the  regiment;  that  he  had 
organized  it,  and  given  to  it  the  insignia  by  which  it  was 
known;  that  he  had  displayed  the  most  remarkable  magna 
nimity  in  resigning  the  Colonelcy  to  Biddle  in  the  first  place, 
and  in  not  immediately  pressing  for  an  election  upon  the  latter's 
resignation ;  that  he  had  successfully  led  the  regiment  on  several 
occasions ;  and  that  he  had  attracted  the  favorable  notice  of 
his  superior  officers.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  he  was  not 
personally  popular  with  the  men  in  certain  companies;  his 
mistakes  in  drilling  irritated  them,  and  his  extreme  daring, 
considered  by  them  as  more  than  akin  to  sheer  recklessness, 
made  them  loth  to  place  themselves  irrevocably  under  his  com 
mand. 

In  an  attempt  to  ease  the  situation,  a  petition  was  drawn 
up  and  presented  to  Colonel  Biddle.  In  it,  he  was  begged  to 
return  and  resume  command.  Receiving  the  petition  at  Wash 
ington,  Colonel  Biddle  thanked  the  messenger  for  the  honor 
conferred  upon  him  by  the  request,  but  stated  that  he  could  not 
accept ;  that  it  would  not  be  fair  to  his  constituents,  nor,  under 
certain  circumstances  that  then  existed,  did  he  wish  to  do  so. 
Before  the  messenger  left  Colonel  Biddle  remarked  further, 
that  there  was  no  necessity  for  his  accepting  the  invitation, 
there  being  several  Captains  in  the  regiment  fully  competent 
to  command  it. 

Colonel  Charles  T.  Campbell,  of  the  regiment  of  artillery, 


84  HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 

[January   1862 

had  been  mentioned  prominently  during  the  canvass.  As  ex 
plained,  the  government  did  not  accept  the  Pennsylvania  Re 
serve  artillery  regiment,  as  a  regiment ;  but  assigned  the  various 
companies  composing  it  to  different  commands.  As  a  result, 
Colonel  Campbell  must  inevitably  soon  lose  his  position.  A 
committee  who  waited  on  him,  requesting  him  to  run  against 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane,  received  an  affirmative  reply;  but  a 
report  that  he  drank  intemperately  was  circulated,  and  his 
name  dropped.1 

Captain  Hugh  McNeil,  of  Company  D,  was  the  only  other 
candidate  of  prominence.  On  January  22,  1862,  an  election 
was  held.  The  intense  bitterness  that  characterized  it  has 
hardly  totally  disappeared  to  this  day ;  and  is  added  proof,  if 
any  is  needed,  of  the  wisdom  of  the  act  of  the  military  authori 
ties  shortly  afterwards,  suspending  promotions  by  election. 
When  the  votes  were  counted  it  was  found  that  Captain  Mc 
Neil  had  received  a  majority  of  223,2  Companies  C,  G,  H  and 
I  giving  the  largest  votes  for  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane. 

The  question  was  decided,  rightly  or  wrongly,  and  almost 
immediately  a  better  feeling  prevailed.  If  a  portion  of  the 
regiment  was  disappointed  because  Kane  had  failed  to  secure 
election  that  portion  in  no  way  objected  to  McNeil.  His  per 
sonality  was  exceedingly  attractive,  his  ability  unquestioned, 
and  his  devotion  to  the  regiment  apparent.  Kane  took  his 
defeat  philosophically ;  as  soon  as  he  fully  recovered  from  the 
wound  he  had  received  at  Dranesville  he  devoted  himself  to 

1  The  report,  needless  to  say,  was  criminally  exaggerated  and  came 
with  poor  grace  from  a  regiment  not  itself  immaculate.  Colonel 
Campbell  was  shortly  afterwards  elected  Colonel  of  the  57th  Penn 
sylvania,  became  known  as  "Fighting  Charlie  Campbell,"  and  won 
his  commission  as  Brigadier-General,  which  was  dated  November  29, 
1862. 

"  Another  record  says  250. 


CAMP  PIERPONT  85 

1862   March] 

the  compilation  of  his  system  of  skirmish  tactics,  which  in 
conjunction  with  his  own  exploits  was  to  win  for  him  a 
Brigadier-General's  commission  before  the  next  winter. 

During  the  winter  the  men  in  Company  D  presented  a 
sword  to  the  new  Colonel,  their  late  Captain.  The  presenta 
tion  was  made  by  Chaplain  Hatton,  who,  having  been  informed 
that  it  was  customary  to  do  so,  prefaced  the  presentation  by  a 
prayer. 

While  at  Camp  Pierpont,  too,  many  of  the  men  learned 
to  write.  A  large  number,  coming  from  the  lumber  districts, 
had  had  but  scant  opportunities  of  acquiring  school  educations. 
Their  knowledge  had  been  that  which  had  been  gained  by  them 
in  the  school  of  nature,  and  that  obtained  by  listening  to  their 
parents  and  elders.  Those  able  to  write  were  therefore  kept 
busy,  either  instructing  their  less  fortunate  companions,  or 
writing  letters  for  them  to  their  relations. 

The  principal  promotions,  in  addition  to  that  of  Captain 
McNeil  to  the  Colonelcy,  were, 

W.  R.  Hartshorne,1  First-  Lieutenant,  Company  K,  who 

1  William  Ross  Hartshorne  was  born  in  Curwensville,  Pa.,  Jan 
uary  26,  1839,  and  educated  at  Tuscarora  Academy.  When  Colonel 
Irvin  recruited  a  company  upon  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  Harts 
horne  enlisted  and  was  elected  First-Lieutenant.  This  company  upon 
its  arrival  at  Harrisburg  became  Company  K,  of  the  Bucktails,  but 
Lieutenant  Hartshorne  was  transferred  from  it  to  the  Signal  Corps,  and 
attached  to  the  staff  of  General  Banks.  Returning  to  his  regiment  in 
February,  1862,  he  was  promoted  to  Adjutant,  taking  part  in  the 
Peninsular  campaign,  Second  Bull  Run  and  South  Mountain.  He  was 
wounded  at  Mechanicsville.  At  Antietam  subsequent  to  the  fall  of 
Colonel  McNeil  he  commanded  the  regiment.  On  May  22,  1863,  he  was 
promoted  to  Major,  and  at  Gettysburg,  subsequent  to  the  death  of 
Colonel  Taylor,  again  commanded  the  regiment,  which,  under  his  or 
ders,  attacked  and  held  in  check  the  sharpshooters  located  in  Devil's 
Den.  The  position  of  Colonel  remaining  vacant,  Major  Hartshorne  con 
tinued  to  command  the  regiment  through  the  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania, 
North  Anna  and  Bethesda  Church  campaigns,  after  which  it  was  mus- 


86  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[January   1862 

had  been  assigned  to  the  Signal  Corps,  returned  and  was  com 
missioned  Adjutant. 

Thomas  B.  Lewis,  First-Sergeant,  Company  B,  was  pro 
moted  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

John  T.  A.  Jewett,  Adjutant  and  First-Lieutenant,  Com 
pany  D,  was  promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Hugh  W.  McNeil,  pro 
moted. 

Thomas  B.  Winslow,  private,  Company  G,  was  promoted 
to  First-Lieutenant,  and  John  A.  Wolfe,  Sergeant,  Company 
G,  was  promoted  to  Second-Lieutenant.2 

As  the  weeks  rolled  by  the  Government  authorities,  in 

tered  out.  Elected  Colonel  of  the  iQOth,  he  commanded  it  at  Cold  Har 
bor.  The  iQoth  and  191  st  regiments  were  then  formed  into  a  brigade 
and  Colonel  Hartshorne  by  priority  assumed  command.  On  the  ipth  of 
August,  1864,  he,  with  almost  the  entire  brigade,  was  surrounded  and 
captured  while  on  the  skirmish  line.  He  was  confined  in  the  Con 
federate  prisons  at  Salisbury  and  Danville,  and  upon  the  capture  of 
the  Confederate  Colonel  Morris  and  Major  Steele  in  Kentucky,  by  the 
Union  authorities  who  adjudged  them  to  be  spies,  was  with  Major 
Horton,  of  the  58th  Massachusetts,  selected  by  the  Confederates 
for  retaliatory  purposes.  The  Union  authorities  were  notified  that 
treatment  similar  to  that  accorded  to  the  captured  Confederates  would 
be  meted  out  to  Hartshorne  and  Horton  (O.  R.  II.  VIIL,  p.  57)  who 
were  put  into  irons  and  were  at  one  time  notified  of  the  date  set  for 
their  execution.  The  Federal  authorities  ultimately  exchanged  Colonel 
Morris  and  thus,  on  February  21,  1865,  obtained  the  release  of  Colonel 
Hartshorne.  On  March  13,  1865,  Colonel  Hartshorne  was  brevetted 
Brigadier-General.  He  was  mustered  out  with  his  regiment  June  28, 
1865. 

Subsequently  to  the  war  General  Hartshorne  led  a  quiet  life.  He 
was  Superintendent  of  Public  Grounds  at  Harrisburg  and  was  a  mem 
ber  of  Governor  Hartranft's,  Governor  Hoyt's  and  Governor  Pattison's 
staffs.  He  resided  chiefly  in  the  Juniata  Valley,  a  citizen  of  Academia, 
dying  of  cancer  of  the  intestines  on  June  12,  1905,  at  the  Philadelphia 
Oncologic  Hospital. 

During  the  war,  on  December  15,  1863,  General  Hartshorne  mar 
ried  Miss  Alice  Bresse,  who,  with  three  children,  survives  him. 

2  One  or  two  of  these  promotions  took  place  after  leaving  Camp 
Pierpont,  but  for  convenience  are  included  here.  The  actual  dates  ap 
pear  in  the  muster-rolls. 


CAMP  PISRPONT  87 

1862  March] 

view  of  the  increasing  army  camped  in  the  vicinity  of  Wash 
ington,  urged  upon  General  McClellan  the  desirability  of 
prompt  action,  but  he,  fully  aware  of  the  nature  of  the  soil 
upon  which  he  must  fight  his  campaign,  was  determined  to 
initiate  no  offensive  movement  till  the  weather  justified  it. 

In  one  sense  he  had  but  one  course  open  to  him.  The 
popular  cry  was,  "On  to  Richmond."  No  operations  with  a 
different  objective  could  be  seriously  considered.  But  while 
he  recognized  this,  he  did  not  wish  to  march  directly  from  the 
Federal  to  the  Confederate  capital.  The  distance  between  the 
two  cities  is  only  about  one  hundred  miles,  but  owing  to  the 
rivers  that  cross  the  route  and  the  woods  and  swamps  that 
abound,  it  is  a  route  that  is  exceedingly  difficult  for  an  invad 
ing  force  and  one  that  affords  many  opportunities  for  a 
resisting  army.  He  therefore  desired  to  transport  his  army 
by  water  to  a  new  base — Urbana  or  Fortress  Monroe — from 
whence  he  could  move  on  Richmond,  and  if  favored  by  fortune 
reduce  it  before  the  Confederates  could  unite  their  scattered 
armies.  Such  a  plan,  however,  involved  the  withdrawal  of  the 
bulk  of  the  army,  from  the  position  it  then  occupied  between 
Washington  and  the  Confederate  army,  and  this  consideration 
made  the  acceptance  of  his  plans  by  the  Government  doubtful. 

When  General  Grant,  in  the  west,  captured  Forts  Henry 
and  Donelson  in  the  early  part  of  February,  a  wave  of  enthusi 
asm  swept  over  the  country.  More  than  ever  it  became  desir 
able  that  some  victory  should  emanate  from  the  east;  that 
some  advantage  should  be  wrested  from  the  forces  in  the 
vicinity  of  Richmond.  The  situation  was  one  that  from  the 
nature  of  things  could  not  last,  and  President  Lincoln,  appar 
ently  against  his  own  judgment,  acquiesced  in  the  plans  of  Gen 
eral  McClellan.  The  movement  by  water  against  Richmond 
thus  became  a  certainty. 


OF   THE 

U  Nl VERSITY 


GEN.  ROY  STONE 


THE    PENINSULAR    CAMPAIGN. 

I. 

FROM   WASHINGTON   TO   WHITE   HOUSE. 


General  McClellan  had  been  ordered  by  President  Lincoln 
to  move  against  the  enemy  at  Manassas,  by  the  22nd  of  Feb 
ruary  ;  but  the  General  had  demurred  to  the  suggested  move 
ment,  proffering  his  own  plan  of  advance  by  water  instead.  On 
March  8th  President  Lincoln,  who  had  by  that  time  agreed  to 
McClellan's  plan,  issued  an  order  that,  in  view  of  the  con 
templated  removal  of  troops  to  the  Chesapeake,  was  intended 
to  insure  the  protection  of  Washington.  This  order  directed 
the  retention  of  a  certain  number  of  troops  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  capital.  On  the  Qth,  the  Confederates,  realizing  something 
of  the  proposed  movements  of  the  Union  army,  withdrew  from 
Manassas,  but  the  first  Union  troops  did  not  embark  for  the 
Peninsula  till  the  I7th. 

General  McClellan,  had  assigned  to  General  McDowell's 
First  corps,  to  which  the  division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves 
was  attached,  a  prominent  position  in  the  ensuing  campaign 
against  Richmond,  but  the  President,  considering  the  number 
of  troops  assigned  to  defend  Washington  insufficient,  detached 
the  entire  corps  from  McClellan's  army,  before  they  could  be 
placed  on  transports. 

The  Bucktails,  believing  they  were  to  take  immediate  part 

in  the  planned  aggressive  movement,  broke  camp  in  good  spirits 

89 


90  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[10  March   1862 

on   March   loth,   and  after  marching  eighteen  miles   reached 
Hunter's  Mills. 

As  the  various  regiments  of  the  corps  advanced  through 
the  enemy's  territory,  considerable  foraging  was  done,  the  chief 
sufferers  being  farmers  who  possessed  milk  and  chickens. 
Hence,  when  Hunter's  Mills  was  reached,  orders  were  issued 
forbidding  the  men  to  leave  the  camp,  a  guard  being  stationed 
to  enforce  the  order.  Some  of  the  Bucktails  were  among  those 
who  had  not  taken  advantage  of  the  opportunities  presented 
along  the  roadside.  They  were  very  hungry,  and  Virginia 
poultry  is  said  to  be  fat.  At  all  events  it  so  happened,  that  at 
a  point  where  a  railroad  embankment  formed  the  boundary  of 
the  camp,  the  Bucktails,  by  dint  of  gum  blankets,  improvised  a 
tent.  The  rear  of  the  tent  also  happened  to  be  in  contact  with 
the  embankment;  so  that  after  a  tunnel  through  the  embank 
ment  was  made,  it  was  a  simple  matter  for  those  entering  the 
tent  to  leave  camp  without  passes.  Feasting  prevailed.  Un 
fortunately,  however,  an  officer  broke  through  near  the  edge 
and  the  tent  was  ordered  removed.  On  the  I4th,  the  regiment 
moved  in  the  evening,  some  five  miles,  to  Difficult  Creek.  Then 
on  the  1 5th,  during  heavy  rain,  and  after  dark,  they  were  again 
put  in  motion.  The  mud  was  terrible  and  rendered  all  efforts 
at  progress  void.  After  floundering  along  for  a  time,  they 
were  permitted  to  stop  at  Falls  Church.1  The  next  morning, 
the  regiment  advanced  to  within  one  mile  of  Alexandria,  only 
to  learn  that  instead  of  being  the  first  of  the  troops  sent  to  the 
Peninsula,  they  were  to  be  left  behind. 

Going  into  camp  again  the  members  of  the  regiment  made 
the  best  they  could  of  existing  conditions.  Captain  Niles,  of 

1 "  McCall  was  ordered  to  encamp  where  he  was,  beyond  Falls 
"Church,  he  having  got  into  the  mud."  McDowell's  Journal,  O.  R.  I. 
LI.  i.,  p.  62. 


FROM  WASHINGTON  TO  WHITS  HOUSE  91 

1862  April   16] 

Company  E,  who  had  been  wounded  at  Dranesville,  had  re 
turned,  and  on  the  2Oth,  "oil  cloth  shelters"  made  the  men  more 
comfortable.  The  weather  commenced  to  moderate ;  the  grass 
came  up — and  some  of  the  men  sent  their  overcoats  home.  On 
February  2nd,  the  regiment's  strength  had  been  reported : 
Mean  strength,  889  men ;  sick,  67  men  ;a  at  this  time  its  condition 
was  probably  even  still  better. 

The  Department  of  the  Rappahannock  was  constituted  on 
April  4th,  under  General  McDowell;  and  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves  were  attached  to  this  Department.  This  Department, 
while  covering  Washington,  was  to  advance,  ultimately  joining 
McClellan  before  Richmond,  when  he  should  have  worked  up 
the  Peninsula  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Confederate  capital. 

On  April  9th,  orders  were  received  to  march  to  the  Orange 
and  Alexandria  Railroad.  Boarding  the  cars,  the  men  lay  near 
Bull  Run  all  night,  five  inches  of  snow  greeting  their  eyes  in 
the  morning.  Leaving  the  cars  at  Manassas  at  10  A.  M.,  camp 
was  pitched,  the  snow  disappearing  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

While  here,  some  of  the  Bucktails  broke  into  the  army 
train,  and  discovered  a  box  containing  a  dozen  bottles  of  good 
whiskey,  addressed  to  the  Medical  Director  of  the  division,  and 
intended  for  hospital  use.  Delighted  with  the  success  that 
attended  their  first  escapade,  the  culprits  were  emboldened  to 
renew  their  depredations ;  nor  when  the  monotony  and  hard 
ships  of  a  soldier's  life  are  considered,  can  they  be  blamed. 

They  discovered  a  box,  similar  in  appearance  to  the  first, 
and  addressed  in  the  same  manner,  though  they  were  unable 
on  account  of  the  darkness  to  read  the  labels  on  the  bottles. 
Hastily  they  drew  the  corks  and  took  deep  draughts.  One  of 
them,  noticing  the  extremely  bitter  taste,  called  out  that  it  was 

10.  R.  I.  V.,  p.  715. 


92  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[16  April   1862 

"no  bitters  at  all,"  but  either  he  was  too  late,  or  his  companions 
did  not  heed  him.  At  all  events,  the  stuff  proved  to  be  a  pre 
paration  of  laudanum,  and  two  of  the  men  died  from  the  effects 
of  drinking  it  the  next  morning.1 

The  advance  from  Manassas  was  pursued  irregularly,  but 
on  April  28th,  Falmouth,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Rappahan- 
nock,  almost  opposite  Fredericksburg,  was  reached.2 

The  Bucktails  had  not  been  long  in  camp  before  Colonel 
McNeil  contracted  typhoid  fever  and  was  removed  to  a  hospital, 
while  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  succeeded  to  the  command. 
Food  was  comparatively  plentiful,  and  those  who  had  money, 
bought  hams,  potatoes,  crackers,  pies,  cheese,  etc.  from  the 
people  in  the  vicinity.3 

On  May  23rd,  President  Lincoln,  accompanied  by  other 
important  personages,  visited  the  camps,  and  the  regiment 
passed  in  review  before  him. 

Then  it  was  decided  that  McDowell  should,  on  May  26th, 
advance  his  entire  force  and  form  junction  with  McClellan, 
who,  about  that  time,  arrived  at  the  Chickahominy.  On  the 
evening  of  the  25th,  Companies  C,  G,  H  and  I  were  detached 
from  the  regiment  and  ordered  to  act  under  Lieutenant- 

1  Captain   Bard   states   that   Martin   Kelly  was   of  the   party,   and 
indeed  was  the  one  to  warn  the  others  of  the  dangerous  nature  of  the 
liquid.     Kelly  afterwards  gave  his  life  for  the  sake  of  his  companions 
at  Harrisonburg.     The  two  facts  are  worth  mentioning  in  conjunction, 
as  illustrating  that  neither  venial  faults,  nor  adventures  of  this  type,  im 
pair  the  inherent  manhood  of  men,  or  destroy  the  real  nobility  of  their 
characters. 

2  April    17,    to    Bristow    Station;    April    18,    to    Catlett's    Station; 
April  21,  moved  camp;  April  26,  to  Elm  Run — 6  miles;  April  27,  to 
White  Ridge ;   April  28,  to  near  Falmouth— 16  miles. 

3  Probably  few  bought  along  the  lines   of  one  man,   who  reports 
"Mud  turtle— good  eating";    and  slightly  earlier  "I  had  a  mince  pie 
"made  of  dead  kittens— hide,  hair  and  all— 20  cts." 


FROM  WASHINGTON  TO  WHITE  HOUSE  93 

1862  June  8] 

Colonel  Kane,  with  Bayard's  "Flying  Brigade."1  The  news 
came  like  a  thunderclap  to  the  men,  but  the  bustle  of  prepara 
tion  kept  everybody  busy,  and  little  time  was  available  for 
either  discussion  or  regret.  Tents  were  ordered  down;  then, 
tents  were  ordered  up.  On  the  next  day,  General  Reynolds, 
having  been  appointed  Military  Governor  of  Fredericksburg, 
the  Bucktails,2  with  the  other  regiments  belonging  to  the  First 
brigade,  then  commanded  by  him,3  crossed  the  Rappahannock 
and  went  into  camp.  At  the  same  time  the  Confederate  Gene 
ral,  Stonewall  Jackson,  developed  his  campaign  in  the  Shen- 
andoah  Valley.4  The  main  body  of  McDowell's  forces  was  then 
ordered  towards  the  Valley,  the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Re 
serves,  commanded  by  General  McCall,  being  left  at  Fredericks- 
burg,  while  the  orders  for  an  advance  on  Richmond  were 
countermanded.  A  few  days  later/'  the  First  brigade  was 
ordered  to  return  to  the  north  bank  of  the  river.  This  retro 
grade  movement  was  made  necessary  by  the  Rappahannock 
rising  rapidly  and  threatening  to  completely  isolate  any  troops 
on  its  southern  bank. 

By  the  early  part  of  June,  General  McClellan  called  on  the 
Government  so  persistently  for  reinforcements,  that  the  Gov 
ernment,  without  waiting  for  General  McDowell,  ordered 
General  McCall  to  embark  his  division  of  Pennsylvania  Re 
serves  for  the  Peninsula.  The  brigade  organization  had  been 
slightly  altered;  and  General  Seymour,  formerly  Captain  of 
the  U.  S.  Battery  attached  to  the  division,  had  succeeded  Gen- 

1  The  career  of  these   four  companies   is  given   in  the   next  book 
"Kane's  Battalion." 

2  That  is  the  six  companies  left,  A,  B,  D,  E,  F  and  K. 

3  They  had  been  transferred  to  the  1st  brigade  after  leaving  Alex 
andria. 

4  Sec  next  book  "Kane's  Battalion." 

5  May  31. 


94  HISTORY  of  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[8  June   1862 

eral  Ord,  who  had  been  promoted  from  the  command  of  the 
Third  brigade  to  a  Major-Generalship  and  the  command  of  the 
Second  division  of  the  Department  of  the  Rappahannock.  The 
organization  then  was : 

McCall's  Division. 
Brig.-Gen.  George  A.  McCall. 

First  Brigade  Second  Brigade 

Brig.-Gen.  John  F.  Reynolds     Brig.-Gen.  George  G.  Meade 

ist  Penna.  Reserves  3d  Penna.  Reserves 

2d  Penna.  Reserves  4th  Penna.  Reserves 

5th  Penna.  Reserves  7th  Penna.  Reserves 

8th  Penna.  Reserves  nth  Penna.  Reserves 
1 3th  Penna.  Reserves 

(Bucktails) 

Third  Brigade 

Brig.-Gen.  Truman  Seymour 

6th  Penna.  Reserves 

9th  Penna.  Reserves 
loth  Penna.  Reserves 
1 2th  Penna.  Reserves 

Artillery. 

ist  Penna.  Reserves,  Bat.  A. 
ist  Penna.  Reserves,  Bat.  B. 
ist  Penna.  Reserves,  Bat.  G. 
5th  United  States,  Bat.  C. 

Cavalry. 
4th  Pennsylvania.1 

1O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  3"- 


FROM  WASHINGTON  TO  WHITS  HOUSE  95 

1862  June   1 1] 

Pursuant  to  orders,  therefore,  on  June  8th,  the  Bucktails 
marched  some  ten  miles  down  the  river  to  Belle  Plains,  embark 
ing  at  that  place  upon  the  following  morning  on  the  "South 
"America."  Moving  down  the  river  during  the  day,  the  steamer 
lay  to  for  the  night  about  thirty  miles  from  the  bay ;  resuming 
the  journey  on  the  loth,  she  ran  down  the  bay  and  up  the  York 
and  Pamunkey  rivers  to  White  House. 

On  the  nth  the  Bucktails  stepped  off  the  boat  onto  the 
Peninsula. 


THE    PENINSULAR    CAMPAIGN. 

II. 

MECH  ANICSVILLE. 


It  was  the  lot  of  the  Bucktails  and  the  other  regiments  of 
Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps  to  take  such  an  important  part  in 
the  Seven  Days'  battles  on  the  Peninsula,  that  it  is  necessary  to 
explain  briefly  the  condition  of  affairs  existing  at  the  time  of 
their  arrival. 

The  Peninsula  is  formed  by  the  York  River  on  the  north 
and  the  James  River  on  the  south;  the  general  direction  of 
both  being  from  the  northwest  to  the  southeast.  The  Penin 
sula  itself  is  from  seven  to  fifteen  miles  wide,  the  country 
being  low,  flat,  wooded,  and  in  some  places  marshy.  It  loses 
its  character  as  a  peninsula  fifty  miles  from  its  lower  end,  the 
York  River,  its  northern  boundary,  dividing  at  that  point  into 
two  very  much  smaller  rivers;  the  northern  branch  being 
called  the  Mattapony  and  the  lower  branch  the  Pamunkey. 
The  James  River  is  much  longer  than  the  York,  and  upon  its 
northern  bank,  seventy-five  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  situated 
the  Confederate  capital,  Richmond,  the  objective  of  McClellan's 
campaign. 

McClellan's  forces  landed  on  the  lower  end  of  the  Penin 
sula,  and  by  the  2nd  of  April  were  moving  towards  Yorktown. 
To  take  this  town,  McClellan  made  full  and  correct  siege  prep 
arations;  but  as  soon  as  they  were  completed,  the  Confed 
erates,  on  May  4th,  evacuated  it.  The  opposing  forces  next 

96 


MEXHANICSVIU.E  97 

1 862  May! 

came  into  real  contact,  at  Williamsburg,  on  the  4th  and  5th,  the 
Confederates  evacuating  that  place  on  the  morning  of  the  6th. 
The  Union  army  pushed  forward,  retarded  considerably  how 
ever  by  the  poor  condition  of  the  roads.  Still  on  the  i6th  of 
May  the  advance  reached  White  House  on  the  Pamunkey 
River.  It  will  be  remembered,  that  the  Pamunkey  is  the  more 
southern  of  the  two  rivers  which  uniting  at  West  Point  form 
the  York  River.  McClellan  was  supplying  his  army  via  the 
York  River,  and  its  continuation,  the  Pamunkey;  and  his 
base  of  supplies  was  established  from  this  time  at  White  House 
on  the  Pamunkey,  from  which  place,  the  Richmond  and  York 
River  Railroad  runs  to  Richmond,  a  distance  of  about  eighteen 
miles. 

When  it  is  recalled  that  Richmond  is  on  the  north  bank 
of  the  James,  while  White  House  is  on  the  south  bank  of  the 
Pamunkey,  and  that  between  the  two  flows  the  Chickahominy, 
at  this  point  parallel  to  both,  it  will  be  apparent  that  to  attack 
Richmond,  McClellan  was  compelled  to  straddle  the  latter,  in 
order  to  retain  communications  with  his  base.1  The  Chicka 
hominy  itself  is  inconsiderable,  but  flows  through  a  belt  of 
heavily  timbered  swamp.  The  tops  of  the  trees  in  the  swamp 
reach  to  about  the  level  of  the  highlands  on  each  side;  and 
while  at  parts  the  stream  follows  a  single  channel,  more  fre 
quently  it  flows  in  several.  When  the  stream  rises,  even  but 
a  little,  above  its  summer  level,  it  overflows  the  entire  swamp, 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  a  mile  and  a  quarter  in  width.  The 
formidableness  of  such  an  obstacle  to  military  operations  is 

^e  was  compelled  to  choose  the  route  via  the  York,  instead  of 
via  the  James,  as  the  Government  retained  McDowell  near  Washington, 
but  promised  that  at  the  right  moment  he  should  advance  overland.  As 
a  matter  of  history,  McDowell  never  was  permitted  to  come;  but  one 
of  his  divisions,  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  was,  as  already  stated,  for 
warded  by  water,  arriving  June  n. 

8 


98  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[31   May   1862 

apparent.  McClellan  immediately  commenced  the  construction 
of  bridges  and  on  May  3ist,  a  battle  was  fought  at  Fair  Oaks, 
south  of  the  Chickahominy  and  only  a  few  miles  east  of  Rich 
mond. 

With  this  battle,  the  end  of  which  saw  the  Union  troops 
in  possession  of  the  ground  for  which  they  contended,  may  be 
said  to  end  the  aggressive  movement  of  McClellan.  He  over 
estimated  the  strength  of  his  opponents;  was  uncertain  where 
Jackson  was;  and  declined  to  move  without  reinforcements. 
By  the  time  that  active  operations  were  again  resumed,  Lee 
had  been,  or  was  being,  reinforced,  while  it  would  seem  doubt 
ful  if  McClellan's  reinforcements  more  than  equalized  his  losses 
at  Fair  Oaks.1 

Upon  leaving  the  "South  America"  at  White  House,  the 
Bucktails  went  into  camp.  So  fine  was  the  appearance  of  the 
division,  that  a  contemporary  commented  upon  their  apparent 
efficiency,2  and  two  officers  of  the  Peruvian  army,  who  were 
present,  expressed  astonishment  at  their  military  bearing. 

On  the  1 2th  the  division  moved  down  the  Richmond  and 
York  River  Railroad,  past  Dispatch  Station,  to  within  thirteen 
miles  of  Richmond.  Shortly  after  the  regiments  had  gone  into 
camp  the  next  day,  a  report  reached  General  McCall  that  the 
enemy  was  raiding  the  railroad  in  his  rear.  He  immediately  or 
dered  General  Reynolds  to  move  with  the  First  brigade  to  the 
relief  of  the  guard.  Though  night,  there  was  a  bright  moon 

1  McClellan  telegraphed  Stanton  June  25,  "The  rebel  force  is  stated 
"at  two  hundred  thousand."     (Report  of  Joint  Committee  on  the  Con- 
"duct  of  the  War,"  Part  I.,  p.  338.)     His  morning  report  for  June  20 
shows  his  own  strength  115,102  (Report  of  Joint  Committee  on  the  Con 
duct  of  the  War,  Part  I.,  p.  337).     Lieutenant-Colonel  Allan  gives  the 
Confederate  strength  as  53,ooo  upon  the  evacuation  of  Yorktown,  and 
80,000  upon  June  26.      ("The   Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in   1862"; 
P.  65.) 

2  Dr.  Mark's  "Peninsula  Campaign." 


99 

1862  June  19] 

shining,  and  the  First  brigade  with  the  six  companies  of  the 
Bucktails,  commanded  by  Major  Stone,  thrown  forward  as 
skirmishers,  marched  rapidly  back  up  the  railroad.  Eight  miles 
were  covered,  and  then  at  Tunstall's  Station  the  troops  came 
upon  a  train  of  cars  which  had  been  set  on  fire.  The  enemy  had 
also  torn  up  a  portion  of  the  track;  but  had  themselves  effec 
tually  disappeared.1  The  next  day,  the  Bucktails  were  engaged 
scouting  but  without  result.  On  the  I5th  they  were  ordered 
forward  to  Dispatch  Station,  where  upon  the  i6th  they  were 
paraded  for  General  McClellan.  Much  disappointment  was 
felt  when  the  Commanding  General  failed  to  appear;  and  still 
more  when  the  experience  was  repeated  on  the  I7th. 

On  the  1 8th  the  regiment  marched  to  within  three  miles  of 
Mechanicsville,  moving  up  to  that  place  on  the  I9th.  In  this 
position  they  formed  the  extreme  right  advance  of  the  army. 

McClellan  apparently  planned  to  attack  Richmond  by 
throwing  forward  his  left ;  but  his  base  of  supplies  being  at 
White  House,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Chickahominy,  while 
the  attack  was  to  be  made  on  the  south,  a  sufficient  force  would 
have  to  be  left  on  the  north  side  to  insure  the  safety  of  his 
communications.  This  force  was  under  General  Porter  and 
consisted  of  the  Fifth  corps,  to  which  McCall's  division,  as 
signed  the  position  of  honor,  was  temporarily  attached. 

An  army  astride  of  a  river  is  always  in  a  dangerous  posi 
tion,  and  McClellan  seems  early  to  have  realized,  that  should 
he  fail  to  take  Richmond  promptly,  it  might  be  advisable  to 

1  At  this  time  the  Third  brigade  was  disembarking  at  White  House. 
It  had  been  delayed,  but  now  effectually  safeguarded  the  stores  at 
White  House.  The  troops  thus  checkmated  in  their  work  of  destruction 
were  those  commanded  by  General  Stuart,  then  making  his  celebrated 
raid  in  the  rear  of  McClellan.  Stuart  took  back  with  him  165  prisoners, 
260  horses  and  mules,  and  most  important,  the  information  desired  by 
Lee. 


ioo  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[19  June  1862 

change  his  base  from  White  House  on  the  Pamtmkey,  to  a 
point  near  Richmond  on  the  James ;  withdrawing  at  the  same 
time  his  entire  army  to  the  south  side  of  the  Chickahominy. 

Mechanicsville  on  the  north  side  of  the  Chickahominy  is 
nearly  due  north  of  Richmond  and  the  front  of  the  Union  army 
extended  in  a  quarter  circle  to  a  point  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Chickahominy  nearly  due  east  of  Richmond.  The  Confeder 
ates  held  the  south  bank  of  the  Chickahominy  north  of  Rich 
mond,  within  the  arc  of  the  Union  front;  and  McCall's  divi 
sion,  constituting  as  it  did  the  extreme  right  of  the  army,  faced 
them  from  the  north  bank.  A  mile  or  so  east  of  Mechanicsville, 
Beaver  Dam  Creek,  flowing  south,  at  right  angles  with  the 
Chickahominy,  empties  into  that  river.  If  Lee  should  attempt 
to  cut  the  Union  communications  by  falling  on  its  right  flank, 
he  would  cross  the  Chickahominy  at  Mechanicsville  or  above, 
and  then  move  down  parallel  with  the  north  bank  of  the  river. 
Hence,  to  prevent  this,  while  watching  the  Chickahominy, 
McCall  at  the  same  time  constructed  his  main  line  of  defense 
along  the  east  bank  of  Beaver  Dam  Creek,  at  right  angles  to 
the  Chickahominy,  throwing  out  skirmishers  towards  Mechan 
icsville  and  beyond. 

It  being  important  to  prevent  any  information  reaching 
the  enemy  as  to  the  Federal  strength  or  position,  orders  were 
issued  forbidding  the  men  to  fire  guns.  Drumming  also  came 
under  ban.  By  the  22nd  the  regiments  were  busily  engaged 
in  digging  rifle  pits;  but  with  the  exception  of  some  shelling 
indulged  in  by  the  batteries,  nothing  of  moment  occurred  till 
the  26th. 

Before  McClellan  delivered  his  attack,  Lee,  on  the  25th, 
knowing  that  Jackson  was  close  at  hand,  decided  to  assume  the 
offensive.  Selecting  the  Union  right  flank  as  the  point  of  his 
assault,  General  Hill  was  ordered  to  cross  to  the  north  bank  of 


M£CHANICSVIU,E  101 

1862  June  26] 

the  Chickahominy,  unite  with  Jackson,  and  push  the  Union 
forces  backward. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  Jackson,  who  was  at 
Ashland,  commenced  his  march  towards  the  scene  of  action. 
Near  Atley's  Station,  Branch's  division  of  Hill's  corps,  which 
had  crossed  higher  up  the  Chickahominy,1  and  was  moving 
so  as  to  unite  with  Jackson,  came  into  contact  with  the  Eighth 
Illinois  cavalry,  driving  it  back  in  the  direction  of  the  Meadow 
Bridge,  which  spans  the  Chickahominy  a  mile  or  so  west  of 
Mechanicsville. 

General  McCall,  in  anticipation  of  such  an  attack,  had  in 
the  morning  ordered  the  six  companies  of  the  Bucktails  and 
the  Fifth  regiment  to  the  latter  point,  and  at  I  o'clock,  upon 
hearing  that  the  Union  cavalry  were  being  forced  back,  he 
ordered  Major  Stone  to  advance  with  three  companies  to  its 
support.  Moving  forward  rapidly  to  a  point  where  three  roads 
meet,  Major  Stone  placed  Captain  Wister,  with  Company  B, 
at  the  junction,  throwing  forward  Captain  Jewett,  with  Com 
pany  D,  on  the  road  leading  towards  Atley's  Station,  and 
Captain  Irvin,  with  Company  K,  on  the  road  leading  to  Cren- 
shaw's  Bridge.  The  third  road  was  in  the  rear  and  led  towards 
Meadow  Bridge.  Near  this  bridge  were  the  remaining  three 
companies  of  the  Bucktails  and  the  Fifth  regiment. 

Hardly  had  Captain  Jewett  succeeded  in  deploying  Com 
pany  D,  when  the  enemy's  infantry  appeared  in  his  front  in 
force.  He  opened  fire  on  them  at  short  range,  with  such  effect 
that  they  halted  in  confusion.  As  they  re-formed  he  poured  in 
a  second  volley.2 

While  Company  D  was  thus  engaging  the  enemy  in  their 
front,  the  Confederate  General,  A.  P.  Hill,  had  crossed  Field's 

1  At  Brooke's  turnpike, 

3  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  414. 


io2  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[26  June  1862 

division  over  the  Chickahominy  at  Meadow  Bridge,  meeting 
with  no  opposition,1  as  orders  had  been  given  to  the  Union 
troops  to  fall  back  to  the  defensive  position  prepared  on  the  east 
bank  of  Beaver  Dam  Creek.  With  the  withdrawal  of  the  Fifth 
regiment  and  three  companies  of  Bucktails  from  the  vicinity 
of  the  Meadow  Bridge,2  and  the  crossing  of  it  by  the  Confed 
erates,  Companies  B,  D  and  K  were  cut  off  from  the  other 
troops. 

Captain  Wister,  at  the  junction  of  the  roads,  found  him 
self  suddenly  hotly  engaged  by  the  enemy  approaching  from 
Meadow  Bridge;  but  remembering  that  Companies  D  and  K 
were  in  front  of  him,  he  determined  to  hang  on  to  his  position 
as  long  as  possible  in  order  to  give  them  an  opportunity  of 
withdrawing.  Lieutenant  Patton,  the  Quartermaster  of  the 
regiment,  at  this  moment  notified  him  that  the  enemy  had 
crossed  in  force,  and  though  the  steady  fire  of  Company  B 
temporarily  checked  the  rebel  advance,  owing  to  the  strength 
ening  of  the  attack,  it  was  soon  compelled  to  retreat.  Unable 
to  do  so  by  way  of  Mechanicsville,  Captain  Wister  moved 
northward,  contesting  every  inch  of  ground  as  he  went,  till  he 
gained  the  line  at  Beaver  Dam  Creek.3 

Major  Stone,  who  upon  hearing  that  the  guard  at  Meadow 
Bridge  had  been  withdrawn,  had  ridden  forward  to  the  junc 
tion  of  the  roads  and  assisted  personally  in  the  withdrawal  of 
Company  B,  now  turned  back  to  see  if  he  could  not  save  Com 
pany  D,  under  Captain  Jewett.  Meeting  the  column,  he 
diverted  its  course  to  the  north,  and  assisted  by  a  small  rear 

1  About  3  P.  M.     (See  Field's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  841). 
3  Ordered  back  by   Colonel   Simmons   in  command   of  the  grand 
guard.     (Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  414). 
3  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  414. 


MEXHANICSVILLK  103 

1862  June  26! 

guard  of  cavalry  managed  by  making  a  long  detour  to  bring  it 
also  safely  to  its  position.1 

Captain  Irvin,  with  Company  K,  who  had  advanced  along 
the  road  towards  Crenshaw's  Bridge,  had  also  been  notified  by 
Lieutenant  Patton  of  the  crossing  of  the  Meadow  Bridge  by 
the  Confederates  and  advised  to  retire.  Captain  Irvin,  how 
ever,  finding  that  the  Lieutenant  frankly  admitted  that  he  was 
the  bearer  of  no  official  orders,  but  was  acting  on  his  own 
initiative,  decided  that  he  could  not  retreat  without  official  in 
structions.  Major  Stone  hearing  that  Captain  Irvin  refused 
to  move  without  orders,2  made  an  attempt  to  send  such  orders 
to  him,  but  it  was  too  late.3  The  opportunity  to  withdraw  had 
ceased  to  exist  and  the  company  was  surrounded. 

When  Lieutenant  Patton  left,  Captain  Irvin  sent  a  man 
back  to  investigate.  Hardly  had  he  gotten  out  of  sight  before 
the  balls  commenced  to  fly  thick.  Driven  back,  the  messenger 
reported  that  Lieutenant  Patton  had  reported  only  too  truly. 
Captain  Irvin  immediately  formed  his  men  and  moved  towards 
the  rear.  Here  he  struck  a  road  running  to  the  Meadow 
Bridge,  upon  which  the  Confederates  were  drawn  up  in  force, 
and  some  of  the  company  heard  the  officers  instructing  their 
men  to  be  careful  upon  whom  they  fired,  as  their  own  troops 
were  approaching  down  the  river.  Captain  Irvin  then  made  an 
attempt  to  break  through  at  the  junction  of  the  three  roads; 
but  by  this  time,  that  position  also  was  strongly  held,  and  the 
company  retreated  to  the  cover  of  the  swamps.  The  sound  of 
firing  continued;  but  as  it  became  constantly  more  distant,  it 
indicated  only  too  plainly  that  the  Union  troops  were  being 

1  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  414. 

2  Probably  through  Patton,  who  after  vainly  attempting  to  persuade 
Irvin  to  retreat,  while  there  was  still  a  chance  to  escape,  left  him. 

3  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  414. 


104  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[26  June  1862 

withdrawn  towards  Mechanicsville,  and  Beaver  Dam  Creek 
beyond. 

Lying-  in  the  swamps  the  men  saw  the  Confederate  troops 
pass  by.  At  times  Captain  Irvin  or  some  of  the  officers  would 
reconnoiter,  only  to  return  impressed  with  the  impossibility  of 
getting  out  of  the  trap  at  that  time.  Shortly  after  the  battle 
of  Mechanicsville  commenced1  and  the  company  lay  hiding, 
listening  to  the  cannonading  and  infantry  fire.  The  idea  that 
the  Union  troops  would  either  be  beaten  or  would  retreat,  did 
not  occur  to  any  of  the  men.  When  it  became  dark  scouts 
were  sent  out  in  every  direction,  in  the  hope  that  some  place 
might  be  discovered  through  which  the  men  could  slip.  But 
the  roads  and  country  beyond  the  swamp  were  everywhere  lit 
up  by  camp-fires.  As  the  men  had  left  camp  in  the  morning 
with  no  rations,  by  the  next  morning  they  were  pretty  hungry 
and  great  was  their  disappointment  to  find  by  the  sound  of 
firing  that  the  battle  was  still  further  away.  The  conclusion 
that  the  army  was  either  retreating  defeated,  or  was  engaged 
in  the  hazardous  operation  of  making  a  change  of  base,  was 
irresistible.  Stubborn  in  their  determination  not  to  surrender, 
spending  the  days  hiding  like  foxes,  and  the  nights  in  attempt 
ing  to  find  a  place  of  egress,  the  men  became  unkempt  and 
haggard.  Their  nerves  protested  against  the  strain  under 
which  they  were  kept,  and  their  bodies  cried  for  nourishment. 
On  the  28th,  a  rebel  straggler,  John  Robb,  was  captured.  Anx 
ious  himself  to  get  home,  he  offered  to  do  what  he  could  to 
guide  them  to  Fredericksburg.  To  rejoin  the  army,  not  to 
escape  northward,  was  the  desire  of  the  company,  hence  the 
Confederate  was  retained  as  a  prisoner,  and  starved  with  them. 

The  human  physique  has  its  limits  of  endurance.  On  the 
evening  of  the  3Oth,  Captain  Irvin  and  Lieutenants  Welch  and 

1  Described  later  in  this  chapter. 


105 

1862  July   i] 

Dale,  with  two  or  three  men,  went  out  scouting.  During  their 
absence,  the  others  resolved  to  surrender.  They  had  eaten 
nothing  for  five  whole  days.  Before  the  plan  could  be  put 
into  operation,  the  officers  returned  and  Captain  Irvin  sternly 
refused  to  give  his  assent.  A  council  was  immediately  held  at 
which  it  was  decided  to  make  another  attempt  to  escape.  Keep 
ing  well  within  the  swamp  on  the  north  side  of  the  Chickaho- 
miny,  the  company  had  gradually  worked  down  the  stream,  till 
they  were  but  a  short  distance  from  the  bridge  over  which  the 
Virginia  Central  Railroad  crosses  to  reach  Richmond.  The  rail 
road  was  guarded  by  sentinels  and  trains  ran  across  it  con 
stantly.  It  was  raised  eight  or  ten  feet  above  the  swamp,  and 
rushes  and  briars  grew  close  up  to  the  embankment.  Before 
attempting  to  cross  it,  it  was  considered  best  to  wait  until  it 
was  completely  dark.  During  a  terrific  storm,  Captain  Irvin 
advanced,  climbed  the  embankment,  crept  across  the  tracks 
between  two  sentinels  making  a  vain  effort  to  protect  them 
selves  from  the  weather,  and  beckoned  to  his  men  to  follow. 
One  by  one  they  did  so,  dropping  down  the  farther  side  of  the 
embankment  till  all  were  across.  The  lightning  ceased,  but 
the  rain  came  down  in  torrents,  and  twice  the  way  was  missed. 
As  the  light  came  with  the  morning,  it  was  found  that  they 
were  then  level  with  Mechanicsville  but  between  that  settle 
ment  and  the  river.  To  advance,  and  to  advance  was  their  only 
chance,  it  soon  became  necessary  to  cross  a  cleared  patch  of 
ground,  two  or  three  hundred  feet  in  width.  One  by  one  the 
men  were  to  endeavor  to  steal  across.  Though  on  a  hill  above 
a  camp  of  rebels  was  plainly  visible,  it  was  already  the  first 
day  of  July,  and  the  men  who  had  had  nothing  to  eat  since 
the  26th  of  June  were  in  no  mood  to  delay  on  account  of 
danger.  Nearly  the  entire  party  succeeded  in  crossing  before 
two  stragglers  noticing  them  gave  warning  to  the  rebel  camp. 


io6  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[i  July  1862 

Five  miles  from  Richmond,  surrounded  by  forces  a  dozen 
times  their  own  strength,  exhausted  from  exposure  and  weak 
from  lack  of  food  nothing  was  left  but  surrender.  As  one 
of  the  party  went  forward,  waving  a  handkerchief  for  a  flag  of 
truce,  some  of  the  men  broke  down  and  cried  like  children. 
An  officer  who  met  the  envoy  assembled  a  detachment  of  cav 
alry  and  infantry,  and  then  the  worn-out  company  marched 
out  and  stacked  arms.  They  were  then  marched  to  Mechan- 
icsville,  where  they  notified  their  captors  that  they  had  had 
nothing  to  eat  for  six  days.  Some  effort  was  made  to  relieve 
their  condition,  but  before  food  could  be  procured  the  com 
pany  was  ordered  to  fall  in,  and  was  marched  to  Richmond. 
At  that  place,  after  it  became  dark,  the  men  received  and 
divided  amongst  themselves,  about  a  half  a  bushel  of  soda 
crackers. 

For  the  sake  of  continuity  it  has  been  necessary  to  follow 
the  fortunes  of  one  company  throughout  a  week,  during  each 
day  of  which  the  fate  of  the  main  army  hung  in  the  balance. 
It  is  therefore  necessary  to  return  to  the  afternoon  of  the  26th. 

It  has  been  stated  that  three  companies  left  at  Meadow 
Bridge  had  been  ordered  back,  and  that  Major  Stone  had  suc 
ceeded  in  extricating  Companies  B  and  D.  Hence  Companies 
A,  B,  D,  E  and  F  fell  into  the  positions  assigned  to  them  to 
resist  the  main  attack  of  the  enemy  at  Beaver  Dam  Creek. 
General  McCall  had  formed  his  line  with  First  brigade  on  the 
right  and  the  Third  brigade  on  the  left;  the  Second  brigade 
being  held  in  reserve.1 

*"On  the  extreme  right  were  seven  companies  of  the  Second  regi- 
"ment;  .  .  .  then  six  companies  of  the  First  Rifles;  .  .  .  the  Fifth  reg 
iment;  .  .  .  the  First  regiment;  the  Eighth  regiment;  .  .  .  the  Tenth 
"regiment;  .  .  .  the  Ninth  regiment,  .  .  .  and  the  Twelfth  which  occu 
pied  the  extreme  left.  Meade's  brigade  in  reserve  consisted  of  the 


MECHANICSVIU.E  107 

1862  June  26] 

General  Reynolds,  commanding  the  First  brigade,  formed 
his  line  so  as  to  take  advantage  of  the  formation  of  the  ground ; 
the  Second  regiment  being  on  the  extreme  right,  with  the 
Bucktails  on  their  left.  Two  companies  of  U.  S.  Berdan  sharp 
shooters  were  with  the  five  companies  of  Bucktails ;  the  entire 
seven  companies  being  placed  in  rifle  pits  in  front  of  Cooper's 
battery. 

McCall's  force  consisted  of  but  about  9,500  men,  while  to 
attack  this  small  body,  Lee  had  two-thirds  of  his  army  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Chickahominy— A.  P.  Hill,  D.  P.  Hill  and 
Longstreet  being  close  up;  while  Jackson  was  rapidly  getting 
within  touch.1 

As  the  skirmishers  were  driven  backward  some  modifica 
tions  were  made  in  the  disposal  of  the  troops,  the  First  regi 
ment  moving  to  the  extreme  right.  General  Lee,  who  had 
arrived  on  the  field,  had  ordered  General  A.  P.  Hill  to  attack 
the  Union  right.  Hill  to  do  this  had  three  brigades,  Ander 
son's,  Archer's  and  Field's ;  and  he  hurled  these  forces  against 
the  brigade  commanded  by  General  Reynolds.  As  the  Con 
federates  came  into  view  the  Union  batteries  poured  in  a  de 
structive  storm  of  lead.  Still  the  enemy  pushed  on  till  within 
a  hundred  yards  of  the  rifle  pits.  Then,  following  their  orders, 
the  infantry  regiments  commenced  their  fire.  So  rapidly  and 
so  accurately  did  they  ply  their  guns  that  the  charging  column 
halted,  reeled  back  and  sought  shelter  in  the  swamp.  Gen 
eral  McCall,  recognizing  that  the  enemy  was  concentrating  to 
crush  Reynolds'  brigade,  advanced  Kern's  battery  and  the  Third 

"Third ;  the  Fourth,  and  the  Seventh."    McCall's  report,  "Rebellion  Rec- 
"ord,"  1864,  p.  664. 

1"The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862;"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
William  Allan,  p.  80-81.  But  McCall  in  his  report  estimated  his  force 
at  that  time  as  about  7,000.  See  report  of  battle  printed  in  the  "  Re 
bellion  Record"  in  1864,  P-  665. 


io8  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[26  June   1862 

regiment  to  its  support.  The  Confederates  rallied,  massed 
fresh  troops,  and  once  again  charged  forward.  A  Georgia  and 
a  Louisiana  regiment,  wading  breast  high  through  the  creek, 
obtained  footing  on  the  bank  held  by  the  Reserves,  till  gal 
lantly  charged  and  driven  back  by  the  Second  regiment.  At 
the  same  time  immense  pressure  was  thrown  on  the  Bucktails 
and  the  Fifth,  the  two  regiments  holding  the  immediate  left 
of  the  Second.  With  their  ammunition  rapidly  running  out 
the  men  stuck  to  their  task.  The  contest  became  desperate, 
but  the  stamina  and  ability  of  the  Union  troops  finally  gave  to 
them  the  victory  and  enabled  them  to  drive  the  Confederates 
back.1 

Having  failed  to  carry  the  Union  right,  Lee  decided  to 
assault  the  Union  left,  held  by  Seymour's  brigade,  which  was 
astride  of  the  Ellerson's  Mill  Road.  General  D.  P.  Hill's  divi 
sion  attacked  savagely  only  to  be  repulsed ;  and  his  defeat  was 
followed  by  an  attempt  by  General  Longstreet  which  was 
equally  futile. 

With  darkness  at  9  o'clock  the  battle  ceased.  McCall's 
division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  with  probably  but  slightly 
over  7,000  men,  had  repulsed  the  attack  of  three  strong  divi 
sions,  one  division  of  which,  Hill's,  alone  was  estimated  to 
contain  14,000  men.2  The  total  Confederate  loss  was  reported 
in  the  Richmond  papers  as  not  short  of  2,ooo.s  The  total  Union 
loss  was  361  killed,  wounded  and  missing*  and  the  loss  in  the 
Bucktail  regiment  was : 

1  General  Porter  ordered  forward  Griffin's  and  Martindale's  brigades 
from  Morrell's  division,  but  before  they  could  arrive  the  enemy  had 
been  repulsed  and  they  were  not  actively  engaged. 

2  McCall's  report :     "Rebellion  Record,"  1864,  p.  665. 

3  McCall's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  386. 
*  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  39- 


MECHANICSVIU<3  ICQ 

1862  June  26] 

Killed.     Wounded.     Missing.      Total. 
Officers    2  3  5 

Men    2  16  72  90 

Total 2  18  75  95* 

Adjutant  Hartshorne  was  severely  wounded  in  the  head, 
while  the  officers  captured  were  Captain  Irvin  and  Lieutenants 
Bard  and  Dale  of  Company  K.2 

With  the  cessation  of  the  battle,  the  various  regiments  of 
the  Reserves  busied  themselves  with  preparations  to  resume  the 
contest  upon  the  following  morning.  Towards  the  close  of  the 
action  the  Fourteenth  New  York  had  been  ordered  forward  to 
relieve  and  support  the  Bucktails,3  but  Major  Stone  declined 
to  be  relieved  except  as  to  picket  duty,  so  the  Bucktails  slept 
in  the  rifle  pits  without  cover.4  The  surgeons,  and  the  various 
squads  appointed  to  assist  them,  worked  so  industriously  that 
by  7  A.  M.  the  next  day  all  the  wounded  had  been  cared  for, 
and  the  killed  buried. 

In  his  official  report,  General  McCall  says : 

"Where  all  so  gallantly  supported  the  honor  of  the  flag  it 
"would  seem  almost  invidious  to  particularize,  but  my  thanks 
"are  particularly  due  to  Generals  Reynolds  and  Seymour,  and 
"to  Colonels  Simmons,  of  the  Fifth,  and  Taggart,  of  the 

1  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  38. 

3  Captain  Wister,  of  Company  B,  was  slightly  wounded  in  the  ankle 
on    the    following    day    and    is    evidently   the    second    officer    reported 
wounded.     The  fact  that  the  battle  of  the  morning  of  the  27th  is  fre 
quently  considered  part  of  the  battle  of  Mechanicsville,  will  explain  the 
inclusion   of   his   name   here.     On   the  other   hand  the   men   captured 
that  morning  are  credited  against  the  losses  of  Games'  Mill. 

'Griffin's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  312. 

4  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  415. 


no  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[26  June  1862 

"Twelfth,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  McCandless,  of  the  Second, 
"Major  Stone,  of  the  Rifles,  who  were  all  closely  engaged."1 

Major  Stone  in  his  report  of  the  campaign  says : 

"My  adjutant,  Lieut.  W.  R.  Hartshorne,  one  of  the  best 
"officers  in  the  service,  was  severely  wounded  in  the  head 
"on  the  evening  of  the  26th,  and  is  doubtless  taken  prisoner  in 
"the  hospital  at  Savage  Station.  Quartermaster  Lieut.  H.  D. 
"Patton,  an  officer  of  great  energy  and  activity,  was  of  the 
"highest  service  to  me  on  the  26th."2 

Though  the  Confederate  General  Jackson  had  only  suc 
ceeded  in  getting  a  part  of  his  artillery  into  play  during  the 
battle,  during  the  night  he  pushed  his  force  forward  between 
the  right  flank  of  McCall's  division  and  the  south  bank  of  the 
Pamunkey  River,  thus  threatening  McClellan's  communications 
with  White  House.  To  defend  his  communications  against  the 
bulk  of  the  Confederate  army,  McClellan  would  have  been  com 
pelled  to  bring  the  bulk  of  his  army  back  to  the  north  side  of 
the  Chickahominy  and  offer  general  battle ;  but  this  was  almost 
impossible,  as  the  enemy  was  already  upon  his  communica 
tions,  and  if  he  had  offered  battle  he  would  have  done  so  with 
out  an  assured  retreat.  To  concentrate  his  forces  south  of  the 
Chickahominy,  and  make  a  sudden  dash  at  Richmond  was  a 
plan  he  did  not  consider  sound ;  hence  he  chose  the  only  other 
line  of  action,  short  of  a  retreat  by  the  way  he  had  come,  a 
change  of  base  to  the  James  River. 

This  involved  the  abandonment  of  White  House,  the  burn 
ing  of  such  stores  as  could  not  be  moved,  the  movement  of 
slow  and  heavy  wagon  trains  for  a  period  of  several  days,  and 
at  the  end  the  establishment  of  a  strong  position,  preparatory 
to  commencing  new  operations.  Two  things  pre-eminently 

1  McCall's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  386-387. 
2O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  419. 


M£CHANICSVIU,£  HI 

1862  June  26] 

were  necessary :  a  strong  rear  guard  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
Chickahominy  to  hold  the  river  till  the  trains  could  be  put  in 
motion;  and  strong  guards  later  on,  to  prevent  flank  attacks 
while  the  trains  moved  towards  the  base  selected  upon  the 
James  River. 

To  General  Porter's  Fifth  corps,  with  McCall's  division  of 
Pennsylvania  Reserves,  was  the  duty  of  holding,  during  the 
next  day,  the  north  bank  of  the  Chickahominy  assigned. 


THE    PENINSULAR    CAMPAIGN. 

III. 

GAINES'     MILL.1 


About  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  orders  to 
fall  back  to  the  position  selected  by  General  Porter  to  dispute 
the  passage  of  the  Chickahominy  were  received. 

The  operation  of  withdrawing  troops  from  a  position,  such 
as  that  occupied  by  the  Reserves,  is  at  any  time  a  delicate  one; 
and  General  McCall  felt  much  apprehension  at  undertaking  it 
during  daylight.  Under  his  orders  Meade's  brigade  left  first, 
then  Reynolds'  brigade  and  lastly  Seymour's.  To  partially  veil 
his  rearward  movement  from  the  enemy,  General  McCall  or 
dered  active  demonstrations,  and  General  Reynolds  instructed 
Major  Stone  to  hold,  with  his  regiment  and  the  battery,  the 
position  he  then  occupied.2  Major  Stone  deployed  his  men  to 
the  right  and  left  in  an  attempt  to  deceive  the  enemy  and  make 
him  believe  that  the  entire  line  was  still  occupied.  Upon  open 
ing  fire  he  received  a  heavy  reply  from  the  Confederates,  who, 
during  the  night,  had  advanced  their  guns  to  within  grape- 

1  Called  also  Cold  Harbor,  and  the  Chickahominy. 

2  It  is  doubtful  whether  this  action  should  not  be  included  as  part 
of  the  battle  of  Mechanicsville.     It  has  been  treated  in  this  place  as  a 
prelude  to  the  battle  of  Games'   Mill;    because  as   the  Bucktails   fell 
back  and  were  followed  up  they  acted  as  skirmishers  being  driven  in ; 
because  their  loss  in  this  action  is  included  in  the  casualty  reports  for 
Games'    Mill;     and    because    as    the    retreat    from    Mechanicsville    to 
Games'  Mill  and  the  battle  at  the  latter  place  occurred  on  the  same  day, 
it  is  easier  to  tell  the  story  in  the  way  selected. 

112 


GAINES'  MILL  113 

1862  June  27] 

shot  range.  Their  infantry,  too,  came  forward  with  undimin- 
ished  force,  rilling  the  road  towards  the  ford  with  a  solid 
column. 

The  artillery  opposing  the  Bucktails  and  the  battery  was 
more  powerful  than  that  of  the  previous  evening.  So  hot  did 
its  fire  become,  that  the  Union  gunners  found  it  impossible  to 
stand  up  to  load  their  pieces ;  still,  as  long  as  their  ammunition 
lasted,  they,  with  the  aid  of  the  Bucktails,  succeeded  in  holding 
the  enemy  in  check.  About  6  A.  MV  Major  Stone  was  ordered 
to  fall  back  and  rejoin  the  main  column  of  the  army,  then 
moving  to  take  position  at  Games'  Mill.  His  course,  for  a 
half  mile  after  leaving  the  intrenchments,  was  one  that  was 
within  range  of  the  rebel  batteries.  The  movement  was  neces 
sarily  hurried ;  as  in  addition  to  the  force  in  their  front  as 
they  fell  back,  the  Bucktails  had  been  flanked.  Major  Stone 
ordered  Captain  Holland,  with  Company  A,  to  take  position 
300  yards  from  the  ford  and  obstruct  the  hostile  advance. 
Captain  Wister,  with  Company  B,  was  to  destroy  the  bridge 
at  the  Mill  Hospital.1 

Captain  Niles,  of  Company  E,  was  holding  a  detached 
position  with  portions  of  Companies  E  and  D.  In  some  way 
he  did  not  receive  the  order  to  fall  back  until  after  the  bridge 
had  been  destroyed  and  the  other  companies  had  retired.  He 
therefore  found  himself  left  in  the  swamp  at  the  border  of  the 
creek.  Both  Captain  Holland  and  Captain  Wister,  the  latter 
sustaining  a  wound  in  the  ankle,  performed  the  duties  assigned 
to  them  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  greatest  praise  and  enabled 
Major  Stone  to  bring  his  force  within  the  lines.  Yet  the  action 
had  cost  dear.  It  was  necessary  to  abandon  the  dead  and 
wounded;  the  heat  was  so  intense  that  men  fainted;  and  the 

1  Apparently  the  bridge  at  the  Ellerson's  Mill  Road. 

9 


ii4  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  June   1862 

movements  were  executed  with  such  rapidity  that  many 
dropped  from  exhaustion  and  were  captured. 

Not  half  of  the  Bucktails  in  line  on  the  morning  reached 
the  position  at  Games'  Mill,  Major  Stone  reporting  at  12 
o'clock  that  he  had  but  6  officers  and  125  men.1 

Captain  Niles,  hopelessly  cut  off,  as  Captain  Irvin  had 
been  the  previous  day,  resolved  to  do  what  he  could.  Falling 
back  in  the  swamps  and  woods  he  engaged  the  Confederates 
with  such  vigor  as  to  mislead  them;  nor  did  they  succeed  in 
effecting  the  capture  of  his  little  party  till  several  hours  had 
elapsed,  and  an  entire  division  had  been  employed  to  surround 
them. 

Bates  in  his  "History  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,"2  points 
out  the  immense  service  rendered  by  Captain  Niles  and  his 
men  in  thus  detaining  the  Confederates,  and  affording  General 
Porter  time  to  establish  his  troops  in  position. 

Before  surrendering,  the  men  who  had  with  them  the 
regimental  flag  buried  or  concealed  it  in  the  swamp,  and  thus 
saved  the  regiment  the  humiliation  of  having  their  flag  become 
a  rebel  trophy.5 

Major  Stone,  in  reporting  the  action,  commented  on  the 
duties  assigned  to  Captains  Holland  and  Wister,  adding: 
"These  were  difficult  and  hazardous  duties,  and  were  performed 
"with  the  coolness  of  veterans,  and  probably  saved  us  from 
"entire  destruction."* 

1  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  416. 

2  Vol.  I.,  p.  914 

3  A  story  that  has  obtained  currency  is  that  the  flag  was  not  buried, 
but  hidden  in  a  hollow  tree,  where  later  it  was  discovered  by  the  Con 
federates,  ultimately  being  found  in  the  house  of  Jefferson  Davis.     It 
has  proven  so  difficult  to  decide  which  story  is  correct  that  the  authors 
have  reluctantly  been  compelled  to  suspend  judgment. 

*  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  416. 


GAINKS'  MILL  115 

1862  June  27] 

General  Reynolds  complimented  the  command  warmly,  and 
said  "I  take  great  pleasure  in  bearing  testimony  to  the  gallantry 
"and  good  conduct  displayed  by  him  (Major  Roy  Stone)  while 
"in  command  of  the  First  Pennsylvania  Rifles,  at  Mechanics- 
"ville  and  Games'  Mill,  and  particularly  in  covering  the  with 
drawal  of  our  troops  from  the  former  to  the  latter  position  on 
"the  morning  of  the  27th  of  June,  which  took  place  under  my 
"personal  supervision.  I  know  of  no  officer  more  worthy  to 
"be  placed  at  the  head  of  a  brigade  of  light  troops."1 

General  Reynolds  testified  later  that  the  rear  guard  during 
the  withdrawal  was  "a  couple  of  pieces  on  the  right  and  left, 
"and  one  regiment  supporting  them ;  those  were  finally  with 
drawn  simultaneously  by  General  Seymour  and  myself."3 
General  Seymour  had  selected  the  Ninth  regiment  for  rear 
guard  duty,  at  his  end  of  the  line ;  but  it  does  not  seem  to  have 
had  a  difficult  task,  the  brunt  falling  on  the  small  body  of 
Bucktails.  In  fact  General  Seymour,  in  his  official  report  says : 
"In  the  absence  of  General  Reynolds,  I  may  say  that  much  of 

"the  credit  of  this  day  belongs  to  him his  conduct  of  the 

"right  wing  is  worthy  of  all  praise Major  Stone,  with 

"rare  intelligence,  prepared  his  position  and  fought  it  like  a 
"true  soldier  to  the  end."3 

General  Porter  had  elected  to  place  his  troops  on  the  Cur 
tis'  and  Games'  farms  in  the  arc  of  a  circle.  The  two  flanks 
were  to  rest  on  the  Chickahominy,  or  to  be  sufficiently  near  to 
the  river  to  obtain  the  advantage  of  such  a  position.  In  the 
rear  would  be  the  bridges  connecting  the  corps  with  the  main 
army  now  retreating  towards  the  James  River.  To  withstand 

1  "History  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,"  by  Samuel  P.  Bates,  Vol. 
L,  p.  914. 

2  "Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War" ; 
Part  I.,  p.  594- 

3O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  ^JQO. 


n6  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  June  1862 

the  Confederate  assault,  General  Porter  had  but  Morrell's  di 
vision  of  three  brigades;  Sykes'  division  of  three  brigades; 
and  McCall's  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  three  bri 
gades;  in  all  17,330  infantry.  A  small  detachment  of  cavalry 
and  some  artillery  completed  his  resources.1  To  Morrell's  divi 
sion  was  assigned  the  left  of  the  line,  and  to  Sykes'  division 
the  right.  McCall's  division  having  been  through  hard  fighting 
was  held  in  reserve.  The  cavalry  was  posted  on  the  extreme 
left  in  the  hollow  approaching  the  river ;  the  artillery  at  various 
advantageous  points.  The  position  was  a  strong  one,  but  Por 
ter's  forces  were  not  sufficiently  large  to  properly  occupy  it. 
Had  axes  that  he  sent  for  been  supplied,  artificial  works  could 
have  been  made  to  counteract  this  weakness,  but  through  a 
series  of  mischances  he  failed  to  obtain  them. 

By  2  p.  M.,  Lee  was  ready  to  attack.  Not  that  he  had  as 
yet  fathomed  McClellan's  plans.  On  the  contrary,  he  still  be 
lieved  the  Union  army  was  endeavoring  to  retreat  down  the 
Peninsula,  but  he  was  desirous  of  cutting  its  communications. 
He  had  the  forces  of  Generals  A.  P.  Hill,  D.  P.  Hill,  Long- 
street  and  Jackson  available — not  less  than  65,000  to  70,000 
men — and  ordered  A.  P.  Hill  to  assault  the  Union  left.  This 
was  done  with  tremendous  spirit,  a  portion  of  the  column  actu 
ally  piercing  the  Union  line.  Hastily  the  various  regiments  of 
the  Second  and  Third  brigades  of  the  Reserve  Corps  were 
thrown  in,  regiment  by  regiment,  at  the  points  most  in  danger. 
The  First  brigade  had  been  posted  on  the  extreme  right  to 
cover  the  approaches  from  Cold  Harbor  and  Dispatch  Station 
to  Summer's  bridge,"  but  General  Reynolds  hearing  the  tre 
mendous  firing  on  the  left,  and  having  previously  repulsed  the 

1  "The  Peninsula";  by  Major-General  A.  S.  Webb,  p.  120. 
-  Porter's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  224. 


GAINERS'  MII.IV  117 

1862  June  27] 

enemy  on  his  front,  led  his  men,  regiment  by  regiment,  to  the 
assistance  of  the  hardly  pressed  troops.1 

The  Bucktails,  on  the  right  of  the  Fifth  regiment,  went  in 
on  the  left  of  Sykes'  division  and  the  right  of  MorrelFs.2  In 
their  front  the  enemy  was  concealed  in  some  woods,  a  battery 
being  visible  500  yards  away. 

The  attack  of  A.  P.  Hill  being  repulsed,  Lee  prepared  for 
a  general  assault  in  force,  and  Porter  called  urgently  upon 
McClellan  for  reinforcements  from  the  south  side  of  the  Chick- 
ahominy.  Ultimately  he  received  Slocum's  division,  which 
arrived  about  4  o'clock,3  and  increased  his  force  to  about  30,000 
men. 

From  the  opening  of  the  battle  till  about  6  p.  M.,  regi 
ment  after  regiment,  and  brigade  after  brigade,  charged  for 
ward  against  the  Federal  line,  only  to  be  driven  back.  The 
attack  on  the  left  and  right  being  equal  in  power,  troops  could 
not  be  withdrawn  from  one  place  to  strengthen  another.  Only 
reserves  could  be  ordered  up,  as  regiments  having  spent  their 
ammunition,  fell  back  to  replenish  it. 

As  the  Bucktails  moved  into  line,  they  had  150  men  and  6 
officers.4  Devoting  their  attention  to  the  battery  in  their  front, 
such  was  the  accuracy  of  their  fire  that  they  compelled  it  to 
frequently  change  its  position,  finally  silencing  it  entirely.  A 
little  before  sunset,  their  ammunition  began  to  run  low.  Taking 
advantage  of  the  consequent  slackening  in  their  fire,  the  enemy 
emerged  from  the  woods  and  formed  for  a  charge.  The  Buck- 
tails  delivered  a  well-directed  volley  which  staggered  them, 
while  the  Fifth  regiment  rushed  forward  to  within  150  yards 

1  Porter's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  225. 

2  Stone's  and  Seymour's  reports,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  416,  and  O.  R.  I. 
XI.  ii.,  p.  401. 

8  Porter  in  "Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War,"  Vol.  II.,  p.  339. 
4  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  XL  ii.,  p.  416. 


n8  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[27  June   1862 

of  the  enemy's  lines  before  pouring  in  a  volley  that  drove  him 
back. 

At  6.30  P.  M.  the  Confederates  made  another  powerful 
attack,  along  the  entire  front,  pushing  forward  fresh  troops  to 
oppose  the  greatly  wearied  Federals.  Still  the  latter's  line  held 
bravely  and  firmly  against  the  outnumbering  enemy,  excepting 
at  one  place  near  the  center  of  Morrell's  line.  Here  Hood's 
Texans  broke  through,  and  before  they  could  either  be  ex 
pelled,  or  the  line  altered,  the  Union  artillery  on  the  left  was 
thrown  into  disorder  by  a  mass  of  their  own  cavalry  rushing 
amongst  them.1  Believing  that  the  Confederates  were  upon 
them,  the  artillery  retreated  precipitately,  striking  the  infantry 
and  demoralizing  it.  Fortunately,  at  this  moment,  the  men 
under  Generals  French  and  Meagher  advanced  to  the  support 
of  the  shattered  line. 

The  position  held  by  the  Bucktails  and  the  Fifth  had 
become  untenable.  The  troops  on  the  left  were  retreating,  and 
already,  to  prevent  disaster,  the  entire  right  of  the  army  was 
falling  back,  preparatory  to  establishing  a  more  concentrated 
line,  the  movement  resulting  in  the  exposure  of  the  right  of  the 
Bucktails  to  an  enfilading  fire.  Major  Stone  changed  front  and 
fired  his  last  volley.  He  then  attempted  to  take  cover  behind 
a  ridge  on  the  right ;  but,  as  the  position  was  in  the  range  of 
the  Union  batteries,  it  was  impossible  to  do  so.  Falling  back 
with  the  other  troops,  the  Bucktails  were  then  formed  in  the 
rear  of  the  hospital.2 

With  the  shortening  of  his  entire  line,  a  shortening  that 
was  accomplished  partly  deliberately,  partly  in  haste  but  with- 

1  This   cavalry   was    General    Cooke's.       He   had   charged    forward 
between  the  opposing  lines.    Porter  claimed  the  disaster  was  due  to  this 
charge,  not  ordered  by  him.     The  right  and  wrong  of  the  matter  is 
much  involved  in  doubt 

2  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  417. 


GAINERS'  Miu,  119 

1862  June  27] 

out  confusion,1  General  Porter  decided  to  transfer  his  corps  to 
the  southern  bank  of  the  river.  Wagon  trains,  ammunition 
trains,  detached  masses  from  brigades,  stragglers  from  a  hun 
dred  regiments,  wounded  men,  some  on  improvised  stretchers, 
some  supported  by  comrades,  blocked  the  ground  about  the 
approaches  to  the  bridges.  The  curses  of  the  mule  drivers 
mingled  with  the  short,  sharp  orders  of  the  officers,  and  the 
pleadings  and  expostulations  of  the  wounded.  Ultimately  an 
opening  was  made  in  the  tangled  mass  and  the  wagons  passed 
over.  With  each  vehicle  or  man  that  crossed,  order  developed/ 
till  at  the  last  the  troops  filed  past  and  fell  into  positions  as 
signed  to  them  on  the  southern  bank.  At  the  meadow  edge 
of  the  bridge,  under  instructions  of  an  officer  of  General  Mc 
Clelland  staff,  Major  Stone  and  Captain  Wister  halted  the 
stragglers  and  re-formed  nearly  2,000  men  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves.3 

Here  the  Reserves  stayed  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
when  they  crossed  over  the  new  bridge  from  the  battle-field  to 
the  southern  bank  of  the  Chickahominy. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  battle  the  Eleventh  regiment  of 
the  Reserves,  and  the  Fourth  New  Jersey,  were  surrounded, 
through  the  other  regiments  in  their  vicinity  falling  back,  and 
compelled  to  surrender.  General  Reynolds,  while  laboring  at 
the  task  of  leading  troops  to  reinforce  others,  also  became  cut 
off,  and  was  compelled,  after  spending  the  night  in  the  woods, 
to  yield  himself  a  prisoner. 

Major  Stone,  in  his  official  report,  gave  his  casualties  as 

1  Porter's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  225. 

2  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  among  those  who  labored  to  clear  the 
approaches  was  the  Bucktail  Chaplain,  W.  H.  D.  Hatton. 

3  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  417. 


i2o  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  June  1862 

I  officer  and  25  men1  and  the  official  casualty  reports  give  the 

loss  as  follows: 

Killed.  Wounded.  Missing.  Total. 

Officers . .  6                6 

Men   i             14  90  105 


Total   i  14  96  in2 

Thus  the  battle  of  Games'  Mill  passed  into  history.  One 
corps  of  the  Union  army  had  borne  the  brunt  of  the  attack  of 
two-thirds  of  the  Confederate  forces.  The  Union  loss  was 
reported  as  6,837  men  ?  tne  Confederate  loss  cannot  have  been 
much  less;  and  if  only  the  killed  and  wounded  are  counted, 
must  have  been  considerably  more.4 

During  the  battle,  McClellan  had  had  on  the  south  bank 
the  bulk  of  his  army — probably  nearer  70,000  than  50,000  men. 
To  oppose  this  force,  had  McClellan  ordered  it  to  fall  upon 
Richmond,  the  Confederates  had  left  but  25,000  men  under 
General  Magruder.  Yet  such  a  "noise  and  clatter"  did  Magru- 
der  make,  that  McClellan  not  only  did  not  walk  into  Richmond, 
but  considered  it  inadvisable  to  send  desperately  required 
reinforcements  to  General  Porter's  corps. 

1  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii,  p.  417. 

2O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  40.  The  discrepancy  occurs  through  Major 
Stone  reporting  for  the  battle  of  Games'  Mill,  only  the  casualties  occur 
ring  during  the  afternoon's  battle.  The  official  casualty  report  plainly 
includes  the  losses  suffered  during  the  withdrawal  from  the  position 
at  Beaver  Dam  Creek.  The  confusion  incident  to  the  retreat,  and  the 
capture  or  retirement  of  officers  in  command  rendered  accuracy  ex 
tremely  difficult  if  not  impossible.  The  report  for  the  campaign,  given 
a  few  pages  later,  is  probably  the  most  correct.  The  wound  sustained 
by  Captain  Wister,  as  explained  in  the  previous  chapter,  was  included 
in  the  Mechanicsville  casualties. 

3O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  41. 

4  See  "Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War" ;  Vol.  II.,  p.  342.  The 
capture  of  the  nth  Pennsylvania  Reserves  and  4th  New  Jersey  swelled 
the  Union  loss  disproportionately. 


GAINSS'  MILL  121 

1862  June  27] 

With  the  withdrawal  of  the  entire  army  to  the  south  bank, 
involving  as  it  did  the  last  act  of  severance  from  the  base  at 
White  House,  the  thing  to  be  achieved  was  the  establishment 
of  a  base  from  which  to  supply  the  army.  In  other  words, 
the  campaign  to  capture  Richmond  was  temporarily  suspended 
while  the  efforts  of  the  General  were  directed  to  securing  a 
new  base  of  supplies,  from  which  he  could  later  on  resume  his 
offensive  campaign. 


•  • 


THE    PENINSULAR    CAMPAIGN. 

IV. 

NEW    MARKET    CROSS    ROADS.1 


General  McClellan  selected  Harrison's  Landing,  some 
times  termed  Turkey  Point,  on  the  James  River,  as  his  future 
base.  His  line  of  retreat  was  therefore  nearly  due  south,  via 
Savage  Station,  to  White  Oak  Swamp,  and  from  thence  to 
Harrison's  Landing.  The  impedimenta  of  the  army  consisted 
of  a  train  of  five  thousand  wagons,  with  a  herd  of  twenty-five 
hundred  beef  cattle.  More  important  than  anything  else,  how 
ever,  was  a  park  of  artillery  commanded  by  General  Hunt. 
This  constituted  the  reserve,  and  including  guns,  caissons,  bat 
tery  wagons  and  ammunition  trains,  must  have  totaled  at  least 
three  hundred  vehicles.  If  this  artillery  could  be  safely  con 
ducted  to  Malvern  Hill  and  there  placed  in  position,  the  safety 
of  the  army  while  retreating  to  its  new  base  was  assured.  Its 
capture  or  destruction  en  route  would  entail  results  too  unpleas 
ant  to  be  considered. 

General  McClellan,  determined  to  preserve  this  artillery  at 
all  hazards,  selected  for  its  escort  the  division  of  Pennsylvania 
Reserves.  Cognizant  of  the  fact  that  they  had,  alone,  fought 
the  battle  of  Mechanicsville  without  losing  one  inch  of  ground ; 
and  that  at  Games'  Mills  they  had  extorted  expressions  of 
admiration  from  friend  and  foe  alike  by  their  daring  and  valor, 

Called  also  Frazier's  Farm;    Nelson's  Farm;    Charles  City  Cross- 

Roads;  New  Market  Road;  Glendale;  and  Willis  Church. 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  123 

1862  June  29] 

he  committed  to  their  charge  the  vital  part  of  the  army. 
Though  the  Reserves  were  exhausted  with  their  labors,  terribly 
in  want  of  sleep,  and  badly  in  need  of  rations,  General  McCall, 
at  9  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  the  28th,  put  them  into  motion. 

The  artillery  they  were  conducting,  added  to  that  attached 
to  their  own  division,  must  have  made  a  train  of  at  least  seven 
miles.  The  night  was  dark  and  rainy,  thus  adding  to  the 
unpleasantness  of  a  duty  that  in  no  event  could  have  been 
pleasurable.  Pushing  along,  the  column  arrived  safely  at  Sav 
age  Station,  during  the  morning  of  the  29th.1 

At  this  point  disorder  was  rampant.  Apart  from  the  con 
fusion  attendant  on  the  movement  of  the  wagon  trains,  the 
numbers  of  wounded  destroyed  all  semblance  of  orderly  ar 
rangements.  In  ambulances  and  on  stretchers ;  in  stores  and 
on  the  ground ;  resting  in  barns  or  forced  to  seek  shelter  in 

*It  is  impossible  to  omit  mention  of  the  tribute  paid  by  General 
McClellan  to  General  McCall.  Twice  during  the  night-march  Mc- 
Clellan  had  sent  word  to  McCall  that  he  had  taken  the  wrong  road, 
and  upon  the  second  occasion  McCall  had  replied,  "  Give  General  Mc- 
"Clellan  my  compliments,  and  say  to  him  that  General  McCall  says 
"the  road  he  is  on  is  narrow,  the  night  is  very  dark,  his  train  is  long 
"and  heavy, 'and  that  it  is  impracticable  to  reverse  his  march;  more- 
"over,  the  men  are  much  fatigued  from  excessive  duties,  and  must  not 
"be  subjected  to  unnecessary  hardships."  At  one  o'clock  General  Mc 
Call  arrived  at  General  McClellan's  headquarters  at  Savage  Station. 
As  McCall  entered  General  McClellan  left  a  group  of  officers  with 
whom  he  was  conversing,  saying  "Here  is  General  McCall,  the  hero 
"of  Mechanicsville."  He  also  asked  his  advice  in  regard  to  destroying 
some  baggage  so  as  to  gain  time  in  moving  to  his  new  base,  but  re 
ceived  the  answer,  from  the  man  whose  troops  had  been  fought  harder 
than  any  in  the  army,  and  who  were,  at  that  moment,  trudging  along  a 
vile  road  in  the  rain ;  "  General  McClellan,  I  don't  know  that  I  suffi- 
"ciently  understand  the  situation  of  the  army  to  advise  you ;  but  from 
"what  I  do  know,  I  would  fight  over  every  inch  of  the  ground  from 
"here  to  the  James,  before  I  would  destroy  a  wagon.  The  moment 
"you  destroy  your  trains,  you  demoralize  the  army."  This  conversation 
is  reported  in  Sypher's  "  History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps" 
(p.  248-250),  whose  words  have  been  quoted  for  the  most  part 


124  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[29  June   1862 

outhouses,  they  dominated  the  scene.  As  troops  came  into 
the  station,  anxious  to  know  if  their  comrades  were-  amongst 
those  borne  from  the  field,  they  broke  ranks,  each  man  search 
ing  for  what  he  almost  feared  to  find.  The  Bucktails  found 
but  few  faces  that  they  knew,  being  compelled,  in  the  majority 
of  cases,  to  wait  for  the  future  to  show  them  if  the  absent  ones 
were  dead  or  only  captured. 

Early  in  the  afternoon  the  regiment,  with  the  other  rem 
nants  of  the  Reserves,  moved  forward,  orders  having  been 
received  to  conduct  the  artillery  through  White  Oak  Swamp, 
and  to  see  that  it  was  parked  on  the  first  firm  ground  south 
of  the  swamp.  Leaving  at  the  time  they  did,  they  were  spared 
witnessing  the  scenes  of  misery  that  followed  the  announcement 
that  it  was  impossible  to  carry  the  wounded  with  the  army, 
and  that  they  would  be  left  behind,  to  fall  into  the  hands  of, 
and  to  be  tended  by,  the  Confederates. 

Relieved  of  the  care  of  the  artillery  reserve  at  5  o'clock, 
the  march  was  resumed,  along  the  New  Market  Road  to  a 
point  near  where  the  Quaker  Road  crosses  it.  Here  a  halt  was 
made  for  the  night.  The  known  proximity  of  the  enemy  ren 
dered  the  greatest  precaution  still  necessary.  Pickets  were 
thrown  out,  and  the  entire  regiment  ordered  to  rest  on  their 
arms,  but  not  to  sleep.  Each  man  was  ordered  to  roll  up  his 
right  sleeve,  in  order  that  he  might  in  case  of  a  night  attack, 
know  friend  from  foe.  Though  several  alarms  occurred  no 
enemy  appeared.  At  7  A.  M.,  on  the  morning  of  the  3Oth, 
orders  were  received  to  retire  to  near  where  the  Turkey  Bridge 
Road  crosses  the  New  Market  Road,  form  line  of  battle,  and 
hold  the  position  till  the  whole  of  the  immense  army  trains  had 
passed  on,  in  the  rear,  towards  the  James  River. 

The  situation  was  this.  Lee  had  not  divined  McClellan's 
intentions  till  the  2Qth  ;  then  he  took  steps  to  prevent  the  accom- 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  125 

1862  June  30] 

plishment  of  his  opponent's  plans.  Jackson  fell  upon  the  Fed 
eral  rear  at  Allen's  Farm  and  at  Savage  Station,  but  was 
bravely  repulsed.  Lee  then  decided  to  attempt  to  break  through 
on  the  right  flank  of  the  Federal  line  of  retreat.  The  army 
trains  and  troops  extended  from  the  swamp  on  the  north  to 
the  James  River  on  the  south,  and  Lee  hoped  by  advancing 
down  the  New  Market  Road,  which  bisects  this  line  of  march, 
to  cut  his  opponent's  forces  in  two  and  defeat  them  in  detail. 
Across  this  road,  however,  General  McCall  placed  his  terribly 
diminished  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  numbering  at 
this  time  not  more  than  6,000  men.1  His  line  of  battle  was 
therefore  parallel  to  the  roads  pursued  by  the  retreating  Union 
trains  in  his  rear.  Kearney's  division  was  on  his  right  flank, 
Hooker's  division  and  Summer's  corps  on  his  left.  Yet  while 
these  divisions  were  many  times  larger  than  his,  as  his  division 
straddled  the  road  it  was  destined  to  be  the  target  of  the  full 
force  of  the  rebel  attack.  This  attack  was  to  be  delivered  by 
the  troops  under  Generals  A.  P.  Hill  and  Longstreet,  who 
must  have  had  about  20,000  men.2  General  Lee  was  person 
ally  present  to  direct  the  movements,  being  accompanied  by 
Jefferson  Davis. 

McCall  formed  his  line  with  Meade's  brigade  on  the  right 
and  Seymour's  brigade  on  the  left.  The  First  brigade,  now 
commanded  by  Colonel  Simmons,  was  held  in  reserve.  The 
batteries  were  placed  in  front  of  the  infantry;  Randall's  on 
the  right,  Cooper's  and  Kern's  in  the  center,  and  two  German 
batteries,  accidentally  attached  to  the  division,  on  the  left. 

In  the   front  of  the  division  the  country  was  open,  the 

1  McCall's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  391. 

2  General  McCall  says,  "18,000  to  20,000."    (O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  391.) 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Allan  says,  "under  20,000  strong"  ("Army  of  North- 
"ern  Virginia  in  1862,"  p.  119). 


126  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  June   1862 

New  Market  Road,  along  which  ran  a  small  strip  of  timber, 
being  to  the  right  of  the  clearing.  On  the  left  was  a  farm 
house,  known  as  Nelson's.  The  clearing  was  about  800  yards 
in  width  and  1,000  yards  in  length.  In  the  rear  of  the  Union 
position  was  a  wooded  slope.  In  the  front,  beyond  the  clear 
ing,  woods  concealed  further  view.  On  the  extreme  left  of 
the  Union  position  was  a  small  creek  or  swamp,  running  at 
right  angles  to  the  line  of  battle,  heavily  timbered  and  form 
ing  the  left  flank.  Technically,  the  battle-field  was  almost 
ideal,  but  McCall  lacked  sufficient  men  to  properly  occupy  it. 

Shortly  after  2  o'clock,  the  Confederates  commenced  to 
drive  in  the  Union  pickets.  Then  their  artillery  opened,  and 
was  replied  to  vigorously  by  the  Union  batteries.1  An  attempt 
was  made  to  capture  the  Third  regiment  that  had  been  ad 
vanced,  before  it  could  fall  back  into  position,  but  desperate 
fighting  saved  it.  Then  a  regiment  was  launched  at  the  right 
center,  beneath  the  cover  of  heavy  artillery  fire.  The  Seventh 
regiment,  and  a  portion  of  the  Eleventh,  springing  to  the  front 
of  the  battery,  by  the  use  of  the  bayonet  repulsed  the  assault. 

Before  the  lines  could  be  dressed  General  McCall  became 
aware  of  a  new  movement.  The  enemy,  taking  advantage  of 
the  vigilance  required  by  his  opponent  to  hold  the  center,  had 
massed  a  force  to  attack  the  left.  Heavy  columns  were  moving 
through  the  woods  and  preparing  to  assault,  whereupon  the 
"Dutch"  battery  promptly  retired  to  the  rear.  General  McCall 
ordered  up  the  Fifth,  Eighth,  Ninth  and  Tenth  regiments,  while 
at  the  same  time  he  persuaded  the  battery  to  resume  its  position. 

General  Longstreet  states,  that  though  the  Union  gunners  could 
not  know  it  on  account  of  the  thickness  of  the  woods,  one  of  their 
guns  had  the  exact  range  of  the  position  where  President  Davis,  Lee, 
himself,  and  other  officers  were  congregated.  One  shell  bursting  in 
their  midst  killed  two  or  three  horses  and  wounded  one  or  two  men. 
(See  "Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War,"  Vol.  II.,  p.  401.) 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  127 

1862  June  30] 

He  then  ordered  a  charge,  Colonel  Simmons  of  the  Fifth  leading 
it  over  a  course  that  ran  diagonally  to  the  left.  The  charge 
was  made  with  extreme  gallantry,  and  with  such  impetuosity 
that  the  Confederates  fell  back.  Colonel  Simmons  fell  at  the 
head  of  his  column,  but  his  men  never  stopped  till  they  reached 
the  woods,  where  they  captured  and  sent  back  one  or  two 
hundred  prisoners.1 

General  McCall  had  at  the  same  time  ridden  up  to  Major 
Stone  of  the  Bucktails,  who  had  at  that  moment  5  officers  and 
150  men  of  his  own  regiment,  and  5  officers  and  84  men  of  the 
U.  S.  Sharpshooters,  ordering  him  to  the  left."  When  the  other 
regiments  charged  forward,  Major  Stone  accordingly  moved 
to  the  left  of  the  battery,  and  then  towards  the  rear  of  the 
Nelson  Farm  House. 

The  danger  of  a  successful  charge  was  never  better  illus 
trated.  The  brigade  was  far  in  advance  of  the  line,  their  leader, 
Colonel  Simmons,  was  dead,  more  or  less  disorganization  had 
necessarily  been  attendant  upon  their  advance,  and  confusion 
was  inevitable  in  sending  back  the  prisoners.  From  the  posi 
tion  which  he  then  held,  Major  Stone  watched  the  enemy 
suddenly  hurl  fresh  masses  of  troops  on  the  brigade  in  his 
front.  The  pressure  was  too  great  to  be  resisted  and  the 
column,  a  moment  before  victorious,  came  flying  back.  The 
"Dutch"  battery,  upon  the  approach  of  the  rebels,  again  fled  in 
disorder.  Major  Stone,  anxious  to  stop  the  rout  at  any  cost, 
ordered  his  men  to  fall  upon  their  faces  ;  and  Colonel  McCand- 
less,  who  with  the  Second  regiment  was  in  his  rear,  did  like- 


necessity  for  the  charge  was  caused  by  the  ill-advised  ad 
vancement  of  six  companies  of  the  I2th  regiment,  which,  not  being  prop 
erly  supported,  were  driven  back. 

2  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  417.  The  remnants  of  com 
panies  D,  E  and  K  were  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Bitterling,  of  com 
pany  F. 


128  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  June   1862 

wise.  The  retreating  troops  came  tearing  back.  The  efforts 
of  Major  Stone  and  the  officers  of  the  Second  regiment  to  halt 
and  rally  them  were  in  vain.  They  raced  over  the  prostrate 
men  towards  safety  and  the  rear.  As  soon  as  their  front  was 
unmasked,  the  Bucktails  rose,  and  for  some  moments  poured 
in  a  fire  that  held  the  enemy  in  check.  Yet  the  men  were 
dropping  rapidly,  Captain  Philip  Holland,  of  Company  A, 
being  shot  dead  while  steadying  his  own  men  and  attempting 
to  rally  others.  Realizing  that  if  he  stayed  much  longer  he 
would  be  completely  surrounded,  Major  Stone  ordered  his 
men  to  fall  back,  which  they  did  slowly  and  in  good  order.1 

Four  hundred  yards  was  the  extent  of  the  rearward  move 
ment.  There  Major  Stone  made  the  Bucktails  the  nucleus  for 
rallying  the  fragments  of  the  regiments  that  came  into  his 
vicinity ;  nor  was  it  long  before  he  had  the  colors  of  six  regi 
ments  about  him,  and  a  respectable  brigade  of  troops  properly 
officered  and  in  righting  condition.2 

On  the  center  and  right,  the  battle  raged  with  equal  fury. 
Realizing  that  if  he  could  break  through  the  line  of  the  Reserves 
he  would  be  able  to  cut  McClellan's  army  in  half,  and  that  if  he 
failed  to  do  so  McClellan  would  be  able  to  concentrate  the 

Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  417.  When  the  "Dutch"  battery 
fled,  it  struck  Hooker's  lines,  on  the  left,  in  a  state  of  confusion.  The 
six  companies  of  the  Twelfth  in  falling  back  also  came  upon  Hooker, 
while  numerous  soldiers,  with  their  prisoners,  moving  to  the  rear 
through  his  line,  increased  the  disorder.  Not  cognizant  of  what  was 
really  happening,  and  seeing  only  a  battery  flying  from  the  field  (a 
battery  that  in  reality  belonged  to  him)  ;  various  detachments  of 
troops  closely  pursued;  a  few  stragglers;  many  wounded;  and  in 
addition,  others  endeavoring  to  get  their  prisoners  to  the  rear;  Hooker 
wrote  in  "  Wilkes'  Spirit  of  the  Times,"  November  I,  1862;  "the  whole 
"of  McCall's  division  was  completely  routed."  The  action  as  here  nar 
rated,  and  some  remarks  quoted  later  on,  form  the  only  comment  neces 
sary  upon  such  a  verbal  blunder. 

2  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  417. 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  129 

1862  June  30] 

Federal  troops  at  the  point  he  had  selected,  Lee  did  not  hesitate 
to  hurl  regiment  after  regiment  at  his  opponent.  Cooper's  and 
Kern's  batteries  in  the  center,  and  Randall's  on  the  left,  became 
the  points  of  attack.  Cooper's  battery  was  taken,  retaken  and 
then  abandoned.  Kern's  battery,  four  guns  under  Amsden, 
hung  on  to  its  position  desperately,  till  with  ammunition  com 
pletely  exhausted  it  was  compelled  to  withdraw.1  Randall,  on 
the  right,  manfully  maintained  his  position,  though  charged 
repeatedly  by  single  regiments.2 

Then  the  Confederate  commander  ordered  forward  two 
regiments,3  who  with  guns  trailing  advanced,  without  order, 
but  in  wedge  shape.  So  confident  was  Captain  Randall  of  his 
ability  to  repulse  the  assault,  that  he  requested  the  Fourth 
regiment,  in  his  rear,  to  withhold  its  fire.  Though  his  guns 
tore  great  gaps  in  the  advancing  host,  it  moved  with  such 
momentum,  that  before  it  could  be  stopped  it  reached  the 
battery.  The  guns  were  overturned,  the  horses  killed  and  the 
defenders  of  the  battery  by  sheer  weight  borne  to  the  rear. 
Company  B,  of  the  Fourth,  stood  its  ground,  and  with  a  num 
ber  of  men  from  other  commands  fought  desperately,  both 
with  the  bayonet  and  with  clubbed  guns.  General  McCall, 
riding  to  the  front,  witnessed  the  fight  and  urged  on  the  men 
to  almost  superhuman  efforts.  The  weight  of  the  Confeder 
ate  assault  proved  too  great  to  be  resisted  by  the  light  line  of 
the  Reserves,  and  it  was  forced  backward. 

1  The  55th  Virginia  and  6oth  Virginia  battalion  penetrated  the  line, 
and  actually  gained  the  rear,  but  escaped  before  the  Reserves  could  take 
advantage  of  their  precarious  condition.  (See  Field's  report,  O.  R.  I. 
XI.  ii.,  p.  842.) 

2  In  almost  all  instances  charges  on  the  part  of  the  Confederates 
were  met  by  countercharges  by  the  Federals. 

3 The  47th  and  2d  Virginia  apparently.  (See  Field's  report,  O.  R. 
I.  XL  ii.,  p.  842.)  The  charge  by  the  55th  and  6oth  was  made  simul 
taneously  with  this. 

10 


130  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  June  1862 

Here  McCall  called  upon  General  Kearney  for  reinforce 
ments,  while  Lieutenant-Colonel  Thompson,  of  the  Reserves, 
who  had  collected  some  500  men,  moved  forward  to  assist  the 
shattered  line.  At  the  same  time  Meagher's  "Irish"  brigade, 
of  Richardson's  division  of  Summer's  corps,  moved  forward 
to  support  the  left  of  the  Reserves. 

Hearing  the  noise  of  battle  on  the  right,  Major  Stone 
moved  his  battalion,  consisting  of  the  Bucktails  and  the  frag 
ments  of  the  other  regiments  that  had  congregated  near  him, 
towards  that  wing.1  It  was  rapidly  growing  dark,  and  General 
McCall  was  endeavoring  to  dress  his  line  so  as  to  hold  the  new 
position  to  which  he  had  been  driven.  Out  of  his  staff  and  his 
cavalry  escort  of  a  Captain  and  twenty  men  but  two  remained — 
Corporal  King  and  a  private.  Of  his  brigade  commanders, 
General  Meade  had  been  wounded  and  forced  to  retire,  Colonel 
Simmons,  who  succeeded  Reynolds  in  command  of  the  First 
brigade,  had  been  killed,  and  General  Seymour  had  become 
separated  from  the  division.  Hence  McCall  was  compelled  to 
perform  duties  that  should  have  been  done  by  others.  Riding 
forward  accompanied  by  Corporal  King,  a  private,  and  Major 
Stone,  the  darkness  was  so  intense  that  the  entire  party  rode 
into  the  pickets  of  the  Forty-Seventh  Virginia.  All  were  cap 
tured  with  the  exception  of  Major  Stone,  who,  wheeling  his 
horse  suddenly,  escaped  in  the  darkness.  Two  volleys  were 
fired  after  him,  but  beyond  a  slight  wound  in  the  hand,  the 
Major  of  the  Bucktails  regained  the  Union  lines  unhurt.2 

The  battalion  had  utilized  the  time  by  capturing  a  Colonel 
with  a  small  party  of  men.  Upon  returning,  Stone  formed 
the  men  across  the  road,  a  position  which  they  maintained  for 

1  "I  moved  the  whole  battalion  which  seemed  to  put  itself  under 
"my  command."     (Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  418.) 

2  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  418. 


NEW  MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  131 

1862  June  30] 

half  an  hour.  The  Confederates  had  some  troops  in  position 
to  advance  down  the  road,  and  had  they  done  so,  would  have 
struck  the  Federal  line  at  its  weakest  point.  Shortly  after  the 
battle  ceased,  and  before  the  battalion  was  withdrawn,  Major 
Stone,  who  had  gone  to  the  rear  in  search  of  a  cannon  to 
strengthen  his  position,  became  so  faint  and  dizzy  from  his 
wound,  that  before  he  could  accomplish  his  design  he  was 
taken  to  the  hospital.1 

Though  the  Reserves  had  been  driven  from  their  position, 
they  had  accomplished  the  duty  laid  upon  them.  "The  Con 
federates  had  not  achieved  the  main  object  of  their  com- 
"mander:  the  Federal  army  was  not  cut  in  twain,  the  line  of 
"retreat  to  the  James  was  yet  in  its  possession."2 

They  had  extorted  a  tremendous  price  for  the  loss  which 
they  had  suffered,  and  though  they  had  been  forced  back  the 
enemy  dared  to  occupy  but  little  of  the  position  from  which 
they  had  retired.3  General  McCall  reported  that  he  captured 
during  the  day  two  or  three  hundred  prisoners  and  three  stands 

1  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  418.      For  reports  of  the  battle 
see  the  remarkably  numerous  and  detailed  accounts,  both  by  the  Union 
and  Confederate  commanders,  which  have  been  drawn  upon  freely.     In 
the  confusion  resultant  upon  an  assault  and  defense  of  this  character, 
where  men  become  separated  from  their  commands,  and  the  majority  of 
the  officers  are  placed  hors  de  combat  early  in  the  action,  a  greater  or 
less  number  of  conflicting  statements  are  inevitable. 

2  "The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862 ;"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
William  Allan,  p.  119. 

3  No  official  casualty  reports  were  made  by  either  side  for  this  bat 
tle.       The    loss    of    the    Reserve    Corps,    however,    may    be    obtained 
roughly  by  deducting  the  losses  at  Mechanicsville  and  Games'  Mill  from 
the  total  losses  in  the  official  casualty  report  for  the  operations  June 
25th  to  July  2nd  (O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  32).     This  gives  the  loss  of  the 
Reserves  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  as  1,148.     Owing  to  unavoid 
able  confusion  in  reports  these  figures  are  undoubtedly  inaccurate  and 
are  merely  inserted  as  approximate. 


132  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  June  1862 

of  colors.1  The  Confederate  reports  all  speak  of  victory,  but 
there  is  little  exultation.  They  recognize  that,  though  the 
Union  troops  had  been  made  to  give  ground,  the  line  of  defense 
was  unbroken  and  the  object  of  the  attack  unattained.2 

General  Seymour  in  his  official  report  of  the  campaign 
says :  "Captain  L.  Wister  and  Quartermaster  H.  W.  Patton,  of 
"the  First  Rifles  (Bucktails),  are  highly  praised  for  efficient 
"and  gallant  service.  Maj.  Roy  Stone  deserves  the  highest 
"praise  on  all  occasions.  He  relates  that  John  Doyle,  a  private 
"of  Easton's  battery,  after  the  guns  were  lost,  went  to  his 
"command  and,  among  the  foremost,  performed  manly  duty."* 

1  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  393- 

2  General  Longstreet  stated,  "Well,  McCall  is  safe  in  Richmond  j_  but 
"if  his  division  had  not  offered  the  stubborn  resistance  it  did  on  this 
"road  we  would  have   captured  your   whole  army."       General   Pryor 
repeated  in  substance  what  General  Longstreet  said;    commending  in 
the    highest    terms,    the    "pluck    displayed    by    McCall's    Pennsylvania 
"troops."      (Extracts   from   report  of   Surgeon   Marsh.     O.   R.   I.   XI. 
ii-»  P-  397-)     General  D.  H.  Hill  wrote:    "General  Lee  reported:    'Many 
"  'prisoners  including  a  general  of  division,   McCall,  and  several  bat- 
"  'teries  with  some  thousands  of  small  arms,  were  taken.'     But  as  an 
"obstruction  to  the   Federal   retreat  the  battle  amounted  to  nothing." 
("Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War;"  Vol.  II.,  p.  388.)      These 
comments  of  three  Confederate  leaders  have  been  quoted  here,  as  it  was 
deemed   better   to    mention   Hooker's   mistaken    statement   some   pages 
earlier.    They  do  not  sound  like  comments  upon  a  division  "completely 
"routed :"  nor  does  it  seem  even  a  reasonable  proposition  that  a  division 
in  that  state  could  hold  off  the  enemy  from  3  o'clock  till  dark;    yet,  as 
has  been  shown,  at  dark  the  Reserves  were  still  planted  across  the  road. 

It  should  not  be  imagined  that  either  Hooker's  troops  on  the  left, 
or  Kearney's  on  the  right,  were  inactive.  On  the  contrary,  in  addition 
to  the  support  they  gave  to  the  two  flanks  of  the  Reserves,  they  were  at 
times  fiercely  engaged;  and  towards  the  close,  sent  reinforcements  to 
the  hard-pressed  Pennsylvanians.  As,  however,  McCall  held  the  centre, 
and  was  actually  straddling  the  road  down  which  the  Confederates 
desired  to  advance,  the  full  vehemence  of  the  attack  was  directed  at  him. 

3  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  405.     Major  Stone's  comment  on  Doyle  was: 
"Private  John  Doyle,  a  stalwart  giant  of  Captain  Easton's  battery,  well 
"known  as  the  'Infant/  after  the  loss  of  their  guns,  came  as  a  volunteer 
"to  my  command,  where  his  dashing  gallantry,  ready  wit,  and  evident 
"enjoyment  of  the  occasion  were  a  continual  source  of  encouragement 
"to  all  about  him."     (O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  419.) 


MARKET  CROSS  ROADS  133 

1862  June  30] 

Major  Stone  in  his  report  of  the  campaign  says :  "Sergt. 
"Maj.  Roger  Sherman,  who  shared  the  greatest  dangers  with 
"the  most  remarkable  self-possession,  was  lost  on  the  last 
"evening,  and  is  probably  wounded  and  a  prisoner.  I  beg 
"leave  also  to  mention  the  earnest  and  untiring  labors  of  Chap 
lain  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Hatton,  in  caring  for  the  wounded,  en- 
"couraging  the  exhausted,  both  on  the  field  and  in  the  hospital."1 

Speaking  of  the  battle  of  New  Market  Cross  Roads  he 
says :  "The  loss  of  my  command  in  this  action  was  much 
"greater  in  proportion  than  in  any  of  the  preceding.  I  have 
"this  morning  but  3  officers  and  60  men  of  my  own  regiment, 
"and  3  officers  and  28  men  of  the  U.  S.  Sharpshooters  for 
"duty."2 

1 0.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  419. 

2O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  418.  That  is,  entering  the  field  with  5  officers 
and  150  men,  the  Bucktails  lost  2  officers  and  90  men — 60%.  The 
Sharpshooters  proved  worthy  companions,  losing  65%  out  of  their 
smaller  number. 


THE    PENINSULAR    CAMPAIGN. 

V. 

MALVERN      HILL,       HARRISON'S      LANDING       AND 
THE     RICHMOND     PRISONS. 


Some  time  during  the  evening  of  June  3Oth,  General  Sey 
mour  regained  touch  with  the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Re 
serves  and  assumed  command.  The  retreat  was  resumed 
towards  the  James  River,  the  guns  between  the  two  lines  being 
abandoned.  It  was  impossible  either  to  carry  off  the  wounded 
or  to  bury  the  dead. 

General  McClellan  had  selected  Malvern  Hill  as  the  point 
at  which  he  would  resist  any  hostile  attack  that  might  be  made. 
The  spot  was  admirably  adapted  for  the  task.  On  the  hill  he 
concentrated  his  powerful  artillery,  supported  by  masses  of 
infantry,  partially  protected  by  earthworks.  The  ground  in 
the  immediate  front  was  open,  varying  in  width  from  a  quarter 
to  half  a  mile,  and,  sloping  gradually  from  the  crest,  was  com 
pletely  swept  by  the  fire  of  his  artillery  and  infantry.1  At 
10  A.  M.,  on  the  ist  of  July,  the  last  of  the  Federal  troops 
reached  their  positions.2 

Lee,  who  had  by  this  time  succeeded  in  uniting  the  two 
wings  of  his  army,  attacked  this  naturally  strong  and  arti 
ficially  strengthened  position  again  and  again  between  the 

1  Lee's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  496. 

2  "History  of  the  Civil  War  in  America,"  by  the  Comte  de  Paris, 
Vol.  II.,  p.  135- 

134 


MALVERN  Hiu,  135 

1862  July  i] 

hours  of  3  and  9  o'clock,  only  to  be  bloodily  repulsed.1  His 
losses  were  terrible,  but  until  the  closing  of  night  he  continued 
to  order  his  troops  forward  to  destruction.  The  Bucktails  were 
under  fire  for  a  portion  of  the  morning,  but  retired  according 
to  the  orders  of  General  Seymour,  to  a  position  under  a  bluff.1 

The  location  of  Malvern  Hill  precluded  the  entertainment 
of  a  proposition  to  permanently  occupy  it.  McClellan  therefore 
ordered  the  retreat  continued  to  Harrison's  Landing,  on  the 
James.  The  order,  coming  as  it  did,  after  the  first  real  success 
of  the  campaign,  was  a  bitter  blow  to  many  of  the  officers, 
Sypher  stating  that  General  Phil  Kearney  protested  in  words 
so  vehement  that  they  bordered  upon  insubordination.3 

Yet  all  military  critics  seem  to  agree  that  the  move  was 
necessary.  During  the  night,  therefore,  the  march  was  re 
sumed. 

The  official  casualty  report  shows  that  McClellan's  loss 
during  the  Seven  Days'  retreat  was  15,849  men.4  The  Confed 
erate  loss  was  about  19,700  men.5 

The  Reserve  Corps,  which  General  McCall  stated  was 
about  7,000  strong  when  it  went  into  action  at  Mechanicsville, 
lost  3,045  men,  killed,  wounded  and  missing."  McClellan  must 
have  used  during  the  campaign  over  100,000  men  ;  hence  while 

1  It  has  been  remarked  that  this  was  the  first  occasion  upon  which 
Lee  attempted  to  storm  a  strong  defensive  position — and  the  last. 

2  Stone's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XI.  ii.,  p.  418. 

3  "I  say  to  you  all,  such  an  order  can  only  be  prompted  by  cowardice 
"or  treason."     ("History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps;"  p.  306.) 

*O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  37.  This,  however,  embraces  626  lost  on  June 
25th.  Mechanicsville  was  fought  on  the  26th  and  is  universally  con 
sidered  as  the  opening  battle  of  the  retreat. 

5  The  exact  figures  are  in  dispute.  General  Early  made  them  1 9,557 
and  "Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War"  gives  them  as  20,135.  (See 
"Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  William 
Allan,  p.  143.) 

8  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  32. 


136  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[i  July  1862 

the  Reserves  constituted  but  a  fifteenth  part  of  the  army,  they 
suffered  one-fifth  of  the  total  loss. 

The  Bucktails'  loss  during  the  campaign  was : 

Killed.    Wounded.    Missing.        Total. 
Officers i  3  9  13 

Men   6  48  180  234 


Total 7  51  189  2471 

The  march  from  Malvern  Hill  was  commenced  at  night. 
The  Bucktails  can  hardly  be  said  to  have  had  any  sleep  since 
the  26th  of  June.  On  that  night,  at  Mechanicsville,  they  had 
obtained  slight  rest  in  the  rifle  pits ;  on  the  2/th  they  had  been 
up  throughout  the  night,  crossing  the  Chickahominy  at  2  A.  M. ; 
on  the  28th  they  spent  the  night  marching  in  protection  of  the 
reserve  artillery;  some  little  rest  may  have  been  snatched  on 
the  night  of  the  29th,  despite  the  order  issued  forbidding  sleep ; 
but  that  of  the  3Oth,  following  the  close  of  the  battle  of  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  was  spent  in  retreating  to  Malvern  Hill. 
This  march  to  Harrison's  Landing,  therefore,  commencing  at 
midnight,  proved  doubly  exhausting.  Though  the  night  was 
dark,  fires  along  the  roads  prevented  commands  mistaking  the 
way.  A  halt  was  made  at  daybreak  to  enable  the  men  to 
obtain  a  slight  rest.  Then  they  moved  forward  again,  and 
the  entire  division  was  shortly  after  ordered  to  encamp  in 
some  woods.  A  heavy  rain,  and  the  tramping  of  the  men,  had 
converted  the  entire  vicinity  into  a  sea  of  mud.  In  the  woods, 
the  regiments,  by  dint  of  boughs  and  branches,  endeavored  to 
protect  themselves  from  the  downpour. 

1  O.  R.  I.  XL  ii.,  p.  32.  Again  exact  figures  are  impossible.  The 
report  for  Mechanicsville  was  95,  Games'  Mill  in,  New  Market  Cross 
Roads  92 — total  298.  Stragglers,  and  remnants  of  companies  cut  off  or 
left  in  the  swamps,  managing  to  regain  the  regiment  before  the  com 
pilation  of  the  campaign  report,  reduced  the  "missing  or  captured"  item. 


HARRISON'S  LANDING  137 

1862  July  7] 

As  the  Bucktails  moved  to  their  assigned  position,  Colonel 
McNeil  met  them.  Recovering  from  his  fever,  he  had  strained 
every  nerve  to  rejoin  his  regiment,  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment.  When  stricken  at  Fredericksburg,  and  carried  to 
the  hospital,  his  regiment  had  numbered  between  900  and  1000 
men ;  now,  haggard  and  wearied,  but  64  men  filed  past.  Man 
though  he  was,  tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks.  "My  God,"  he 
cried,  "where  are  my  Bucktails?  Would  that  I  had  died  with 
"them." 

The  entire  army  went  into  camp  at  Harrison's  Landing, 
on  a  plain  some  two  miles  wide  by  three  miles  long.  The 
front  was  protected  by  a  hill,  and  the  rear  by  the  river  James, 
in  which  lay  the  Federal  gunboats.  McClellan,  believing  his 
foe  had  double  his  own  strength  numerically,  was  not  anxious 
immediately  to  give  battle.  Before  he  decided  upon  a  new 
offensive  campaign,  the  Confederates,  by  threatening  Wash 
ington,  compelled  the  withdrawal  of  his  troops  from  the  Penin 
sula  to  assist  those  under  General  Pope,  and  thus  relieved 
Richmond. 

While  at  Harrison's  Landing  the  time  went  rapidly.  Each 
day  developed  some  incident  of  interest.  On  July  6th,  Lieu 
tenant  Kinsey  returned.  The  next  day,  the  Bucktails  were 
put  to  work  building  a  bridge  over  Herring  Creek.  This  creek 
flows  into  the  James,  and  at  the  point  to  be  bridged,  is  in  some 
places  10  feet  deep.  The  distance  to  be  spanned  was  some 
500  feet.  Generals  Porter  and  Seymour  were  extremely  anx 
ious  to  have  a  bridge  constructed  with  the  greatest  of  expedi 
tion,  but  the  Engineer  Corps  estimated  that  it  would  take 
several  days.  In  the  mean  time  the  Generals  feared  that 
through  want  of  communications  the  army  might  be  sacrificed 
in  detail.  Finally  the  matter  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  Major 
Stone,  and  the  Bucktail  lumbermen,  with  no  material  but  the 


138  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[July   1862 

trees  that  grew  upon  the  banks  and  in  the  swamps,  compelled 
to  work  while  wading  and  swimming  in  the  stream,  wielded 
their  axes  so  effectively,  and  brought  into  play  their  accurate 
knowledge  of  woodmanship  so  resourcefully,  that,  starting 
work  at  5  p.  M.,  by  sunrise  on  the  following  morning  the  bridge 
was  completed. 

On  the  8th,  President  Lincoln  visited  the  camp  and  re 
viewed  the  division ;  and  a  few  days  later,  "Little  Mac,"  riding 
through  the  camp,  gazed  at  the  small  remnant  of  the  regiment. 
"I  am  sorry  that  there  are  so  few  Bucktails  left,"  he  said,  and 
what  he  said  he  meant. 

Soon  after  the  going  into  camp  at  Harrison's  Landing, 
Major  Stone  and  Captain  Wister,  of  Company  B,  left  the  regi 
ment.  It  was  originally  intended  that  they  should  return  to 
Pennsylvania  to  obtain  recruits  to  repair  the  losses  sustained 
by  the  Bucktails  during  the  recent  campaign.  But  Colonel 
McNeil's  views  embraced  a  larger  horizon  than  the  mere  re 
habilitation  of  his  own  regiment.  He  therefore  wrote  to 
Governor  Curtin: 

"Headquarters,  ist  Rifles,  P.  R.  V.  C. 

"Harrison's  Landing,  Va.,  July  8,  1862. 
"Hon.  A.  G.  Curtin,  Governor  of  Pennsylvania. 

"  Sir :  Major  Stone  returns  to  Pennsylvania  on  the  Re- 
"cruiting  Service.  During  the  severe  engagements  of  the  past 
"few  days,  my  regiment  was  in  the  hottest  of  the  fight,  under 
"command  of  Major  Stone.  The  Generals  of  the  Reserve 
"Corps  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of  its  efficiency,  and  of  the 
"distinguished  gallantry  of  that  accomplished  officer.  Where 
"the  Bucktails  fought  there  was  no  giving  way  of  our  lines, 
"and  where  the  Major  would  bring  up  his  Spartan  Band,  there 
"brigades  would  re-form  and  hold  their  position.  General  Sey- 
"mour  says  he  cannot  spare  a  battalion  of  such  veterans  from 


HARRISON'S  LANDING  139 

1862  July] 

"the  service,  and  is  desirous  that  its  strength  be  at  once  re- 
"established.  The  name  of  'Bucktail'  has  become  a  terror  to 
"the  enemy  and  an  inspiration  to  our  own  men.  I  can  speak 
"impartially  of  the  brave  fellows,  as  it  was  not  my  privilege  to 
"lead  them,  and  as  to  the  Major, — to  him  is  immediately  due 
"the  credit  of  their  heroic  conduct  on  the  Peninsula.  A  more 
"extended  organization  would  be  greatly  advantageous  to  the 
"service. 

"  A  Bucktail  Brigade  of  light  infantry  would  reflect  addi 
tional  honor  on  the  old  Commonwealth  and  the  Executive 
"that  has  given  the  Pennsylvania  army  to  the  country.  I  hope 
"that  you  may  authorize  Major  Stone  to  recruit  a  brigade  to 
"be  attached  to  the  Reserve  Corps.  He  has  won  his  title  to 
"such  a  command  by  brilliant  achievement  on  the  field,  that  has 
"elicited  the  commendation  of  his  General  Officers,  and  has  a 
"reputation  even  with  McClellan. 

"I  am,  Governor, 

"Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"HUGH  W.  McNsiL,  Colonel 

"Commanding  Rifles."1 

The  Governor,  delighted  at  the  idea  of  a  Bucktail  brigade, 
gave  his  support  to  the  project.  Thus  Major  Stone  and  Cap 
tain  Wister  set  about  recruiting  new  regiments,  using  the  magic 
of  the  word  Bucktail  as  an  inducement.  Originally  intending 
to  recruit  four  regiments,  time  and  the  urgent  demand  for 
troops  caused  them  to  cease  their  labors  after  organizing  two — 
the  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth  and  One-Hundred-and-Fif- 
tieth  Pennsylvania — regiments  that  achieved  for  themselves 
later,  when  called  into  battle,  a  more  than  enviable  reputation. 
Major  Stone  was  elected  Colonel  of  the  One-Hundred-and- 

1  "History  of  the  150th  regiment,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Thomas 
Chamberlain  (revised  edition),  p.  16-17. 


140  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

CJuly  1862 

Forty-Ninth  and  Captain  Wister  Colonel  of  the  One-Hundred- 
and-Fiftieth. 

Unfortunately  jealousy  was  manifested  in  the  matter, 
various  officers  on  both  sides  charging  others  with  command 
ing  undue  influence.  The  men  of  the  Bucktail  regiment  re 
sented,  at  first  dimly,  and  later  with  more  energy,  the  wearing 
of  bucktails  by  regiments  other  than  their  own.  The  insignia 
had  been  the  inspiration  of  their  organizer,  now  General  Kane, 
and  at  a  terrible  price  they  had  made  it  known  and  feared  by 
the  enemy.  The  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth  at  Chancel- 
lorsville  was  for  the  first  time  actively  engaged,  while  the  One- 
Hundred-and-Fiftieth  did  not  really  participate  in  the  full  fury 
of  a  battle  till  Gettysburg.  As  before  Chancellorsville,  the 
Bucktails  had  fought  at  New  Bridge,  Dranesville,  Mechanics- 
ville,  Games'  Mill,  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  Groveton,  Second 
Bull  Run,  South  Mountain,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Har- 
risonburg,  Cross  Keys  and  Chantilly,  had  participated  in  nu 
merous  skirmishes,  and  had  been  ordered  on  difficult  scouting 
expeditions,  their  chagrin  can  be  understood,  if  not  defended. 
The  new  regiments  were  organized  as  Bucktail  regiments  with 
the  approval  of  Colonel  McNeil,  and  so  recognized  by  Gover 
nor  Curtin  and  the  Secretary  of  War ;  so  that  their  right,  as  a 
right,  to  wear  bucktails,  and  call  themselves  "Bucktails"  cannot 
be  contravened.  Strong  in  this  right,  and  loving  the  emblem 
they  wore  in  their  caps,  the  members  of  the  regiments  referred 
to  themselves  frequently  simply  as  Bucktails.  Had  more  dis 
crimination  been  exercised,  or  had  the  younger  "Bucktails" 
referred  to  themselves  as  "New  Bucktails,"  or  the  "Second" 
and  "Third  Bucktails,"  the  most  unfortunate  feeling  which 
arose  later  would  not  have  developed.  Mutually  brave  men, 
fighting  under  the  same  emblem,  rarely  disagree,  excepting 
through  misunderstandings.1 

1  It  has  been  thought  better  to  state  bluntly  the  cause  of  a  dispute 


HARRISON'S  LANDING  141 

1862  August] 

On  August  2nd,  a  portion  of  the  regiment  was  ordered  to 
the  south  side  of  the  James  to  cut  timber.  This  became  neces 
sary,  because  Lee  had  opened  fire  on  the  shipping,  on  the  3ist 
of  July,  from  that  bank.  McClellan  crossed  a  force  on  August 
ist,  and  seized  the  position.  He  then  fortified  it,  and  was 
troubled  no  more. 

On  August  6th,  most  of  the  men  who  had  been  held  pris 
oners  in  Richmond  returned  and  general  jubilation  prevailed. 
Yet  those  who  thus  returned,  looking  around  upon  the  thinned 
ranks,  were  afraid  to  ask  questions.  In  prison  they  had  known 
nothing;  now  in  many  cases  they  were  to  seek,  furtively  and 
in  vain,  for  those  from  whom  they  most  desired  a  welcome. 
The  majority  of  the  officers  returned  on  the  I3th. 

The  organization  of  the  division  was  chaotic.  General 
McCall,  who  returned  with  General  Reynolds  on  the  8th,  was 
enthusiastically  received.  But  the  rigor  of  the  campaign  had 
broken  down  his  health.  Sixty  years  of  age,  the  effects  of  the 
hardships  he  had  endured  with  his  men  were  not  to  be  thrown 
off  easily.  He  obtained  leave  to  visit  his  home  in  Chester 
County,  where  he  was  presented  with  a  sword  by  his  admirers. 
Doctors  failing  to  repair  the  injuries  inflicted  upon  his  health, 
he  was  shortly  afterwards  compelled  to  resign. 

Before  Generals  McCall  and  Reynolds  had  returned,  Gen 
eral  Seymour  had  commanded  the  division ;  now  General  Rey 
nolds  succeeded  to  the  command,  and  the  Bucktails  lost  their 
brigade  commander.  Colonel  Roberts,  of  the  First  regiment, 

that  at  one  stage  became  exceedingly  bitter.  Fortunately  the  feeling 
engendered  is  dying  out.  One  of  the  highest  officers  in  the  regiments 
recruited  by  Major  Stone  and  Captain  Wister,  recently  gave  the  writer 
much  pleasure  by  responding  to  an  inquiry  relating  to  the  matter — "  I 
"endeavor  to  forget  it." 


142  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[August  1862 

commanded  the  First  brigade;1  General  Seymour  the  Second; 
and  Colonel  Jackson,  of  the  Ninth  regiment,  the  Third. 

The  pernicious  results  of  permitting  the  men  to  elect  their 
own  officers  had  been  proven  earlier,  hence  orders  were  issued 
from  Headquarters  suspending  the  practice.  As  by  the  terms 
of  the  act  under  which  the  Reserve  Corps  came  into  existence 
Governor  Curtin  was  prevented  from  commissioning  officers 
unless  elected  by  the  various  regiments,  this  order,  while  pre 
venting  incompetents,  through  their  personal  popularity  or  in 
fluence,  attaining  commissions,  at  the  same  time  necessitated 
the  retention  of  vacancies.2 

The  promotions  of  Neri  B.  Kinsey  from  Second-Lieutenant 
to  First-Lieutenant,  in  Company  A;  and  of  R.  Fenton  Ward 
from  Hospital- Steward  to  Second-Lieutenant,  Company  I, 
were,  however,  made  before  the  embargo  went  into  effect. 

On  August  Qth,  the  Bucktails  marched  to  the  Landing  to 
turn  in  the  Springfield  and  Enfield  rifles  that  they  had  been 
using.  An  abbreviated  form  of  the  trouble  formerly  experi 
enced  at  Harrisburg  occurred.  The  regiment  stood  around  in 
the  broiling  sun  for  four  hours,  and  were  then  offered  inferior 
weapons.  Colonel  McNeil  declined,  wheeled  his  men  about  and 
marched  back  to  camp.  The  next  day  they  obtained  Sharps 
breechloaders.3  They  had  round  barrels,  were  of  good  carrying 

*When   General   Meade   returned  shortly  after,   he  assumed  com 
mand  of  the  brigade. 

2  "Section  6. — That  the  several  companies  and  regiments  composing 
"said  volunteer  corps  shall  be  entitled  to  elect,  and  the  Governor  shall 
"commission,  officers,  etc."      Act  of  May  15,  1861.     As  stated,  later,  by 
act,  approved  February  27th,   1863,  this  act  was  amended  in  accord 
ance   with   the   views   of  the   military  authorities ;    but   till  that  time 
the  regiments  were  compelled  to  do  battle  dangerously  under-officered. 

3  Though  these  were  exchanged  in  1864  for  Spencers,  many  of  the 
regiment  to-day  consider  them  the  best  guns  they  ever  had.     Such  was 
the  affection  entertained  for  them  by  their  users,  that  at  least  one  in 
stance  has  come  to  the  writer's  knowledge,  where  risking  trouble  of 
severe  nature,  when  the  order  to  turn  them  in  was  issued  the  owner 
smuggled  his  rifle  out  of  camp,  and  succeeded  in  getting  it  safely  into 
his  own  home,  where  it  now  is. 


THE  RICHMOND  PRISONS  143 

1862  June-July] 

power  and  of  extreme  accuracy,  were  furnished  with  extra 
hair-triggers  and  could  be  fired  with  either  caps  or  fulminating 
tapes. 

While  at  camp  some  of  the  men  received  new  clothing. 
Food  varied  in  price,  watermelons  being  quoted  at  $1.25,  while 
tomatoes  could  be  purchased  for  3  cents  apiece. 

The  men  who  returned  from  the  Richmond  prisons  had 
much  to  tell.  Doubtless  the  prisoners  captured  by  the  Con 
federates  fared  much  worse  than  those  taken  by  the  Federals. 
Yet  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  in  the  majority  of  cases,  the  comment 
that  a  Bucktail1  entered  in  his  diary,  on  July  3rd,  while  a 
captive,  reveals  the  true  cause :  "Did  not  have  but  one  meal 
"to-day.  Confederates  hard  up."  The  crimes  committed  in 
many  instances,  however,  admit  of  no  extenuation.  Hundreds 
of  men,  through  insufficient  nourishment  and  lack  of  medical 
and  surgical  attendance,  became  physical  wrecks.2 

The  Bucktails  were  for  the  most  part  at  first  confined  in 
a  tobacco  storehouse  in  Richmond,  later  being  removed  to 
Belle  Island.  The  food  varied  from  "crackers  and  fresh  beef"  to 
"nothing  till  noon — then  bread  and  that  sour."  On  June  3Oth : 
"rations  twice ;  and  loaf  of  bread  each  time — fresh  beef  at  noon 
"and  soup  at  night."  July  3rd:  "rations  twice;  l/±  loaf  bread 
"and  pint  of  soup  each  time."  July  28th :  "drew  rations  twice 
" — bread  without  salt."  While  at  Richmond :  "Coffee  75  cents 
"a  pound ;  tea  30  cents." 

While  at  Belle  Island,  a  plot  was  formed  to  escape.    The 

1  William  Wallace  Moore. 

z  Captain  Bard  quotes  a  case  of  a  young  man,  whose  arm  had  been 
shot  off  above  the  elbow.  The  wound  was  never  dressed,  and  at  Belle 
Island,  the  unfortunate  man  would  sit  pouring  water  over  it.  When  the 
Captain  last  saw  him,  the  arteries  having  become  closed  or  clogged, 
the  wound  was  healing,  with  the  bone  protruding.  Experiences  of  this 
nature  are  of  only  too  frequent  record.  Their  recital  can  do  no  good, 
and  it  is  better  to  leave  them  to  the  oblivionizing  effects  of  time. 


144  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[August  1862 

instigator  and  head  of  the  movement  was  Roger  Sherman,  then 
Sergeant-Major.  The  attempt  was  to  be  made  at  midnight, 
but  upon  the  morning  before  the  time  set  the  camp  was  awak 
ened  by  the  roar  of  artillery,  batteries  having  been  placed  on 
two  sides  of  the  camp  and  the  guard  doubled.  Treachery  was 
apparent  and  the  crime  fixed  upon  a  soldier  of  the  Second 
Massachusetts,  who  as  it  was  discovered  was  a  Southerner 
by  birth.  For  his  dirty  work  he  obtained  privileges,  but  never 
entered  the  camp  again  excepting  on  one  occasion.  Then 
the  camp  fell  upon  him  so  fiercely  that  before  he  could  be  res 
cued  dozens  of  blows  were  rained  upon  him.  Escorted  by  the 
guard  he  was  taken  away,  nor  did  he  appear  again. 

While  McClellan  was  holding  his  army  inactive,  Lee  was 
energetically  preparing  to  make  him  withdraw.  Jackson  was 
sent  north  to  menace  Washington  and  engage  General  Pope, 
who  commanded  the  forces  retained  for  its  defense.  The  plan 
was  simple.  Sufficient  troops  were  to  move  against  Pope  to 
cause  the  latter  to  call  for  reinforcements.  Naturally,  rein 
forcements  could  best  be  supplied  from  the  troops  at  Harri 
son's  Landing,  and  if  the  force  was  reduced  to  any  considerable 
extent  it  must  be  withdrawn  in  toto.  Further,  the  ground  occu 
pied  by  General  McClellan  touched  marshes  and  swamps  and 
the  air  was  pestilential.  On  August  3rd,  General  McClellan 
was  ordered  to  withdraw  his  entire  army  from  the  Peninsula 
to  Acquia  Creek. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Washington,  General  Pope  was  clamor 
ing  lustily  for  reinforcements.  The  first  troops  to  embark 
from  the  Peninsula  would  be  the  first  to  reach  him ;  and  the 
first  to  resume  doing  battle  with  the  enemy.  Once  again  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserves  were  placed  in  the  advance.  Their 
mettle  had  been  tested ;  nor  were  those  above  them  afraid  to 
assign  to  them  work  that  must  be  performed. 


KANE'S    BATTALION. 
I. 

THE     VALLEY     CAMPAIGN. 


In  the  last  book  it  was  stated  that  prior  to  the  departure 
of  the  regiment  with  McCall's  division  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves  to  join  McClellan  on  the  Peninsula,  Company  C,  Cap 
tain  Leander  W.  Gifford,  Company  G,  Captain  Hugh  McDon 
ald,  Company  H,  Captain  Charles  F.  Taylor,  and  Company  I, 
Captain  William  F.  Blanchard,  were  separated  from  the  re 
mainder  of  the  Bucktails ;  and  under  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Thomas  L.  Kane  attached  to  Bayard's  "Flying 
"Brigade." 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  after  his  return  to  the  regiment, 
upon  recovering  from  the  wound  he  had  received  at  Dranes- 
ville,  had  devoted  himself  to  compiling  his  "Instructions  for 
"Skirmishers,"  a  protest  against  European  tactics  being  en 
forced  upon  American  riflemen.  This  outline  of  what  he 
believed  to  be  the  proper  system  of  tactics  for  riflemen  he 
submitted  to  General  McClellan,  who,  being  impressed  with 

1  It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  more  information  in  regard  to  the 
remarkable  campaigns  of  these  four  companies  is  not  obtainable.  Taking 
part,  as  they  did,  in  the  whirlwind  campaign  against  Jackson  in  the 
Shenandoah  Valley  and  the  complicated  maneuvers  of  General  Pope 
ending  in  the  Second  Bull  Run,  the  scarcity  of  data  is  the  more  lament 
able,  and  renders  the  task  of  their  historians  more  difficult.  Moreover, 
around  their  achievements  has  grown  up  a  mass  of  apochryphal  litera 
ture,  the  existence  of  which  has  necessitated  the  rejection  of  any  but 
exceptionally  well  substantiated  contributions  to  the  scanty  records. 


146  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[7  March  1862 

the  value  of  the  suggestions  contained  in  the  paper,  returned 
it  with  the  following  endorsement : 

"March  ;th,  1862. 

"Respectfully  referred  to  General  M'Call,  with  instruc 
tions  to  detail  four  companies  of  the  Kane  Rifles  to  report  to 
"Colonel  Kane,  and  until  further  orders  to  be  drilled  by  Colonel 
"Kane  exclusively  in  the  system  of  tactics  devised  by  him,  so 
"far  as  the  same  is  not  inconsistent  with  the  official  system."1 

In  accordance  wih  General  McClellan's  endorsement,  Com 
panies  C,  G,  H  and  I  were  placed  under  the  tuition  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane,  but  their  separation,  not  only  from 
the  balance  of  the  regiment,  but  from  the  division  of  the  Penn 
sylvania  Reserves  itself,  came  as  a  great  surprise  to  the  men. 
While  it  is  undeniable  that  the  majority  of  the  regiment  at 
that  time  was  divided  into  two  camps,  with  strong  opinions 
as  to  who  should  command  them,  yet  on  all  other  questions 
it  could  be  depended  upon  to  act  as  a  unit.  The  most  sincere 
friendliness  existed  from  the  start,  and  this  friendliness  had 
been  accentuated  through  dangers  mutually  endured  at  New 
Creek  and  Dranesville  and  the  winter  passed  in  camp  together. 

The  "Flying  Brigade"  to  which  the  four  companies  were 
attached  was  composed  of  the  First  Pennsylvania  cavalry2  and 
the  First  New  Jersey  cavalry,  and  the  men  under  Kane  were 
soon  to  be  given  an  opportunity  to  prove  the  contention  of  their 
commander,  that  picked  riflemen,  in  speed,  effectiveness  and 
stamina,  were  equal  to  cavalry. 

To  understand  the  reasons  for  the  formation  of  this  "Fly- 

*The  manuscript  is  now  in  possession  of  Mrs.  Kane,  the  widow  of 
the  late  General. 

2  Originally  intended  to  serve  with  the  other  regiments  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserves  as  the  I5th  of  that  corps.  The  difficulties 
encountered  in  recruiting  and  organizing  this  force  have  already  been 
mentioned  in  a  previous  chapter. 


THE  VALLEY  CAMPAIGN  147 

1862  May   17] 

"ing  Brigade"  and  the  movements  of  the  Bucktail  battalion,  both 
while  with  it  and  later  with  Pope,  until  it  was  reunited  with 
the  main  body  of  the  regiment  after  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull 
Run,  it  will  be  necessary  to  take  a  hasty  survey  of  the  events 
immediately  preceding  its  creation. 

It  has  been  narrated  that  on  March  8th  the  Confederates 
commenced  their  rearward  movement  from  Manassas,  while 
the  first  of  the  Union  troops  destined  for  the  Peninsula  em 
barked  on  March  i/th. 

McClellan  coveted  and  was  promised  McDowell's  First 
corps,  to  which  McCall's  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves, 
including  the  Bucktails,  was  attached.  The  Government,  ever 
fearful  that  the  enemy,  racing  up  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  would 
sweep  into  Washington  before  he  could  be  stopped,  was  ren 
dered  more  nervous  by  Stonewall  Jackson's  brilliant  perform 
ance  at  Kernstown  on  March  23rd,1  and  McDowell  was  retained 
to  cover  Washington.  On  April  4th  the  Department  of  the 
Rappahannock,  under  General  McDowell,  and  the  Department 
of  the  Shenandoah,  under  General  Banks,  were  organized. 

The  Bucktails  as  part  of  McCall's  division,  now  attached 
to  the  Department  of  the  Rappahannock,  had  broken  camp  at 
Fairfax  Seminary,  near  Alexandria,  and  had  joined  in  the 
advance  to  Fredericksburg.  The  Government  realized  that 

1  While  the  Union  troops  were  victorious,  Jackson  was  able  to 
report  "though  the  field  is  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  yet  the  most 
"essential  fruits  of  the  battle  are  ours."  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  383-384.) 
The  Confederate  aim  was,  by  making  their  opponents  believe  a  large 
force  was  prepared  at  any  moment  to  debouch  from  the  Valley  on  Wash 
ington,  to  prevent  their  strengthening  McClellan  on  the  Peninsula. 
Whether  Jackson  was  correct  in  his  report  may  be  judged  from  the  fact 
that  Shields  reported  "The  enemy's  strength  was  about  15,000;  the 
"strength  of  our  division  not  over  8,000"  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  335)  ;  and 
Jackson  reported  that  in  the  battle  he  had  only  2,742  infantry,  18  pieces  of 
artillery  and  290  cavalry  engaged,  while  he  estimated  the  Federal  in 
fantry  engaged  as  "probably  over  8,000."  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  383.) 


148  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[17  May  1862 

McDowell's  corps  could  cover  Washington  effectively  by  hold 
ing  that  town,  and  acceded  to  the  Commanding  General's  re 
quest  for  permission  to  occupy  it,  though  at  the  same  time  it 
cautioned  him  that  his  duties  were  purely  defensive. 

On  May  I7th  General  McDowell  was  informed  that  Gen 
eral  Shields'  division  of  General  Banks'  corps  had  been  ordered 
to  Fredericksburg  to  relieve  him;  and  he  was  instructed  to 
advance  with  his  whole  force  towards  Richmond  and  form 
junction  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  as  soon  as  Banks 
arrived.  As  McClellan  had  worked  up  the  Peninsula,  and  by 
May  1 6th,  with  his  force  only  a  few  miles  distant  from  Rich 
mond,  had  established  firmly  his  base  at  White  House,  McDow 
ell's  corps  would  come  into  contact  with  its  right.  McDowell 
reported  he  would  be  ready  to  move  on  Saturday  afternoon, 
May  24th.  President  Lincoln  was  adverse  to  commencing  the 
movement  on  a  Sunday,  and  the  26th  was  decided  upon  as  the 
date  for  advance.  The  President,  the  Secretary  of  War,  some 
members  of  the  Cabinet  and  other  distinguished  personages 
visited  General  McDowell  at  Fredericksburg  on  the  24th,  leav 
ing  the  same  evening.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Kane  had  the  Buck- 
tails  on  dress  parade  on  the  same  evening  that  the  President  left. 
The  four  companies  were  then  attached  to  the  "Flying  Brigade" 
which  General  McDowell  ordered  to  advance  towards  Rich 
mond,  to  act  as  skirmishers  for  his  main  body. 

The  men,  who  had  been  chafing  at  their  inactivity,  received 
the  order  with  delight.  Leaving  Falmouth  on  the  25th,  they 
crossed  the  Rappahannock  and  advanced  down  the  plank  road 
towards  Hanover  Court  House,  bivouacking  for  the  first  night 
some  twelve  miles  below  Fredericksburg.  A  portion  of  the  cav 
alry  advanced  to  within  eight  miles  of  Hanover  Court  House, 
and  the  troops  were  already  mentally  capturing  Richmond 


THE  VALLEY  CAMPAIGN  149 

1862  May  27] 

itself.     In  the  night  they  received  orders  to  return,  and  obeyed 
dispiritedly. 

The  situation  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  that  bete  noir  of 
the  Government,  was  the  cause  of  the  recall  which  was  ordered 
by  the  President  himself.  About  May  i6th,  Stonewall  Jackson 
found  himself  in  command  of  the  largest  force  he  had  had  to 
date,  his  own  division  joined  with  Ewell's  amounting  to  about 
17,000  men.  Cognizant  of  the  fact  that  Washington  was  in 
perpetual  fear  of  the  passes  from  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  and 
learning  that  Banks'  forces,  which  were  posted  at  Strasburg 
and  Front  Royal,  had  been  terribly  reduced  through  the  sending 
of  Shields'  division  to  take  McDowell's  place  at  Fredericksburg, 
who  in  turn  was  to  move  to  reinforce  McClellan,  he  urged  his 
troops  north.  By  the  evening  of  the  22nd  he  was  at  Luray, 
although  the  Union  commanders  believed  him  to  be  below  Har- 
risonburg.  On  the  23rd  he  overwhelmed  a  detachment  of 
Banks'  army  at  Front  Royal,  and  on  the  25th  struck  Banks  at 
Winchester  driving  him  north  of  the  Potomac.  Steps  were 
immediately  taken  by  the  Government,  not  only  to  stop  the 
advance  of  the  bold  Confederate,  but  to  capture  him  with  his 
entire  force.  McDowell  was  ordered  to  move  into  the  Valley 
through  Manassas  Gap,  Fremont  was  recalled  from  western 
Virginia  and  Sigel  and  Banks  were  ordered  to  move  south. 
Celerity  of  movement  was  of  primal  importance  and  the  "Fly- 
"ing  Brigade"  was  laid  under  contribution. 

On  May  27th  McDowell's  Chief  of  Staff  issued  the  follow 
ing  order : 

"HEADQUARTERS,  May  27,  1862. 
"General  McCall, 

"Falmouth. 

"General  McDowell  wishes  you  to  order  to  Catlett's,  Bay- 
"ard's  Brigade  as  now  constituted,  viz,  two  regiments  of  cav- 


150  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  May  1862 

"airy,  Kane's  battalion  of  rifles,  and  the  battery  of  mountain 
"howitzers.    .     .     . 

"Eo.  SCHRIVSR, 
"Chief  of  Staff."  * 

The  "Flying  Brigade"  reached  Catlett's  Station  at  I  P.  M., 
May  29th  and  General  Bayard,  in  answer  to  inquiries,  gave  the 
strength  of  the  Bucktail  battalion  with  his  brigade  as  two  hun 
dred  and  sixty-four.  The  immediate  presence  of  the  brigade 
at  Front  Royal  being  vitally  required,  Bayard  was  ordered  to 
forward  the  Bucktail  battalion  by  rail,  moving  his  cavalry  and 
artillery  as  promptly  as  possible.2  Meanwhile  Jackson,  who  had 
been  as  far  north  as  Harper's  Ferry,  conscious  of  the  trap  that 
was  being  laid  for  him,  retreated  to  Winchester,  left  that  place 
on  May  3ist,  and  arrived  at  Strasburg  the  same  evening.  His 
capture  seemed  impossible,  and  he  boldly  waited  for  Winder, 
who  with  his  command  was  still  north  of  Strasburg,  to  arrive 
before  continuing  his  retreat.  Bayard's  brigade  was  ordered 
on  June  ist  by  General  McDowell  to  advance  to  Strasburg,  with 
a  view  of  attacking  Jackson's  train  as  it  passed.  Contrary  to 
expectations,  the  brigade  found  the  train  heavily  protected  by 
artillery  mounted  on  commanding  positions  about  the  town.  To 
attack  such  formidable  works  with  an  inferior  force  was  out  of 
the  question.  The  Confederate  guns  threw  a  few  shells  at  their 
enemies  and  towards  night  Bayard  withdrew  his  brigade  from 
the  Strasburg  side  of  the  Shenandoah  and  encamped.  The 
Bucktail  battalion  was  placed  so  as  to  command  and  protect  the 
railroad  bridge  across  the  river. 

Early  the  next  morning  Colonels  Karge  and  Kane  recon- 
noitered  the  town.  Finding  it  abandoned,  they  then  occupied  it. 
General  Bayard,  who  also  entered  Strasburg,  reported  to  Gen- 

1  O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  639- 

2  See  telegrams  from  Breck  and  Bayard,  O.  R.  I.  XII.  111.,  p.  283. 


THE;  VAU.EY  CAMPAIGN  151 

1862  June  2] 

eral  Fremont,  who,  with  his  troops  constituting  the  Mountain 
Department,  had  reached  Strasburg  on  the  1st,  and  by  him  was 
assigned  the  advance  in  the  ensuing  pursuit  of  the  retreating 
Confederate  forces.1  On  the  previous  evening,  two  miles  south 
of  Strasburg,  the  Sixteenth  Ohio  and  Eighth  Virginia  of  Col 
onel  Cluseret's  brigade  had  had  an  engagement  with  the  enemy, 
and  General  Fremont,  in  his  general  report,  chronicles  that 
upon  his  arrival  he  found  that  some  ten  of  the  wounded  had 
already  been  cared  for  by  Colonel  Kane.2 

With  feverish  energy  the  Union  troops  started  in  pursuit 
of  Jackson's  force  which  had  so  cleverly  slipped  away,  just  as 
the  mouth  of  the  net  was  being  closed.  Still  it  was  neither  a 
parade  nor  a  race.  The  rear  guard  was  resourceful  and  was 
perpetually  obstructing  the  advancing  Federals.  Even  as  early 
as  i o  A.  M.  on  the  2nd,  the  Confederates  made  a  stand  which 
was  only  broken  by  the  use  of  artillery.  Eighteen  miles  were 
accomplished  in  five  hours,  and  at  5  o'clock  Stahel's  brigade 
occupied  Woodstock.  In  a  despatch  to  General  McDowell, 
dated  Woodstock,  June  2nd,  General  Fremont  says : 

"Your  cavalry  brigade  rendered  good  and  essential  service, 
"and  if  I  could  have  succeeded  in  bringing  up  my  infantry, 
"would  have  made  the  day  disastrous  to  Jackson;  but  the 
"rapidity  of  the  march  made  this  impossible,  and  Jackson  es- 
"caped  dispersion."3 

In  transmitting  this  despatch  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
General  McDowell  adds : 

"I  understand,  unofficially,  that  Ashby's  cavalry  made  an 
"unsuccessful  charge  on  the  Bucktails  and  were  themselves 
"charged  by  Bayard  and  many  prisoners  made."4 

1  Bayard's  report.    O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  677. 
2O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  14-15. 

3  O.  R.  I.  XII.,  Hi.,  p.  324. 

4  O.  R.  I.  XII.,  iii.,  p.  324. 


152  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  June  1862 

The  Bucktail  battalion  was  being  put  to  a  severe  test.  Day 
by  day  it  kept  pace  with  the  cavalry,  "bivouacked  with  them 
"every  night  during  that  memorable  Valley  campaign,  as  well 
"as  skirmished  for  them  in  every  engagement  they  had  in  the 
"Valley,  save  the  one  in  which  Colonel  Wyndham  was  sur 
prised."1 

The  fatigue  incident  to  the  exertions  made  on  the  2nd  did 
not  prevent  the  pursuit  being  resumed  at  7  A.  M.  on  the  3rd. 
The  advance  was  contested  by  the  Confederates,  who  at  Eden- 
burg,  five  miles  below  Strasburg,  destroyed  the  bridge  across 
Stony  Creek.  A  difficult  ford  was  found  and  used,  and  by  noon 
the  bulk  of  the  Union  troops  were  across.  Moving  down  the 
Valley  the  advance  was  just  in  time  to  save  the  bridge  over 
Cedar  (Mill)  Creek  at  Mount  Jackson,  but  the  bridge  over  the 
North  Fork  of  the  Shenandoah  River  was  burned  in  its  face. 
General  Bayard  got  his  cavalry  into  position  on  an  elevation 
overlooking  the  bridge,  but  lack  of  artillery  rendered  it  impos 
sible  to  save  the  structure. 

By  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  4th  a  pontoon  bridge 
had  been  constructed,  when  a  sudden  rise  in  the  river  made  it 
necessary  to  cut  the  ropes  and  permit  the  pontoon  to  swing  to 
the  northern  shore.  The  flood  subsiding  that  evening,  by  10 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  bridge  was  replaced  and 
the  pursuit  resumed. 

Jackson,  by  the  destruction  of  the  Shenandoah  bridge,  had 
gained  eighteen  hours  on  the  army  that  was  upon  his  trail ;  nor 
was  it  possible  for  the  forces  under  Fremont  to  come  up  to  him 
on  that  day.  Eighteen  miles  were  covered  before  night,  how 
ever,  and  an  early  march  on  the  morning  of  the  6th  enabled  the 
Union  commander  to  restore  the  lost  contact.  At  2  o'clock  in 

1  From  letter  of  Major  John  A.  Wolfe  to  Captain  John  P.  Bard, 
October  22,  1885. 


THE  VAU,EY  CAMPAIGN  153 

1862  June  6] 

the  afternoon  the  advance  swept  into  Harrisonburg,  a  small 
town,  the  name  of  which  was  destined  to  be  forever  after  linked 
with  that  of  the  Bucktails.  The  enemy  being  driven  out,  and 
the  line  of  his  further  retreat  being  uncertain,  the  Union 
forces  were  ordered  into  camp.  About  3  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon  the  First  New  Jersey  cavalry  were  ordered  to  proceed 
beyond  the  town  by  General  Bayard.1  After  proceeding  about 
three  and  a  quarter  miles  they  suddenly  found  themselves  under 
a  heavy  fire  on  both  flanks  and  their  front.  The  rebel  ambus 
cade  resulted  in  the  loss  by  the  First  New  Jersey  cavalry  of 
thirty-two  men,  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  among  the  killed 
being  Captain  Haines,  and  among  the  captured  Colonel  Percy 
Wyndham  and  Captains  Shelmire  and  Clark.  Colonel  Wynd- 
ham,  in  addition  to  being  captured,  was  also  wounded. 

General  Fremont  did  not  desire  to  precipitate  a  general 
engagement  just  at  that  time,  but  Kane,  who  seems  to  have 
believed  that  he  could  rescue  the  wounded,  pleaded  with  such 
vehemence  to  be  allowed  to  advance,  that  permission  was 
granted.  General  Bayard,  with  the  First  Pennsylvania  cavalry 
and  the  Bucktail  battalion,  immediately  moved  forward.  Gen 
eral  Ashby  who  protected  the  Confederates'  rear  had,  after  the 
repulse  of  the  Union  cavalry  under  Wyndham,  ordered  up  infan 
try  reinforcements.  General  Bayard  from  his  position  caught 
sight  of  these  reinforcements  moving  up  and  despatched  a  mes 
senger  to  recall  the  Bucktail  battalion.  Before  the  order  could 
be  carried  out,  however,  Colonel  Kane  with  his  little  battalion — 
at  that  moment,  numbering  only  one  hundred  and  four  men* — 
entered  the  woods.  Coming  into  contact  with  the  Fifty-Eighth 

1  Report  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Joseph  Karge.     O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p. 
679. 

2  Major  Wolfe,  who  was  Lieutenant  in  Company  G,  and  a  partici 
pant  in  the  battle,  stated  positively  that  only  one  hundred  and  five  men 
(evidently  including  Kane  himself)  were  in  the  battle. 


154  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  June  1862 

Virginia,  the  Bucktails  poured  in  such  a  murderous  fire  that  a 
portion  of  the  opposing  line  fell  back.  There  was  a  little  clear 
ing  in  the  forest  at  this  place,  and  the  Confederate  firing  line 
was  protected  by  the  crest  of  the  hill.  Kane,  cautioning  his  men 
to  take  cover,  but  to  "give  them  hell,"  now  found  himself 
opposed  by  a  considerable  force,  for  though  some  of  the  enemy 
had  been  driven  back,  yet  the  opposing  line  had  through  their 
very  retreat  been  consolidated  and  made  firmer.  The  battalion's 
orders,  it  was  understood,  were,  "If  you  engage  the  enemy  hold 
"your  position  at  all  hazards,  and  reinforcements  will  reach 
"you ;"  *  and  even  in  default  of  such  instructions  neither  the 
men  nor  their  gallant  Colonel  were  accustomed  to  retreat  in  the 
face  of  the  foe.  Martin  Kelly,  a  private  of  Company  G,  took 
in  the  situation  at  a  glance.  With  quick  intuition  he  realized 
that  with  the  exact  position  and  strength  of  their  opponents 
unknown;  the  order  to  advance,  then  almost  quivering  on  his 
Colonel's  lips,  could  only  be  carried  out  at  a  dreadful  cost.  With 
heroic  devotion  he  resolved  at  the  price  of  his  own  life  to  reduce 
the  toll  to  be  taken  from  his  companions.  "Colonel,"  he  said, 
"shall  I  draw  their  fire?"  As  he  stepped  swiftly  from  behind  a 
tree,  a  long  line  of  red  flame  showed  over  the  crest  of  the  hill, 
and  without  flinching,  pierced  by  a  volley  of  balls,  Martin 

Better  from  Captain  L.  W.  Gifford,  Company  C.  On  the  other 
hand,  a  correspondent  of  the  Philadelphia  Inquirer  who  was  present 
during  Kane's  conversation  with  General  Bayard  says :  "  'But  not  to 
"  'leave  poor  Wyndham  on  the  field  and  all  our  wounded'  remonstrated 
"my  brave  Colonel  Kane  of  the  Bucktails,  'and  besides,  General,  think 
"  'how  such  a  stampede  as  this  will  dishearten  and  demoralize  the 
"'Army;  let  me  at  'em  General,  with  my  Bucktails.'  'Just  forty  min- 
"  'utes  I'll  give  you  Colonel,'  says  General  Bayard,  pulling  out  his  watch ; 
"  'peep  through  the  woods  on  our  left,  see  what  is  in  there,  and  out 
"  'again  when  the  time's  up.'  It  was  my  first  introduction  to  Colonel 
"Kane.  'Good  bye,'  he  said  pressing  the  hand  of  each  of  our  group;  'I 
"  'hope  to  see  you  again ;  but  if  I  don't,  take  it  for  granted  that  I  and 
"  'my  Bucktails  have  given  a  good  account  of  ourselves.' " 


w 

O 


THE  VAIXEY  CAMPAIGN  155 

1862  June  6] 

Kelly  dropped  dead.  Colonel  Kane,  ever  watchful  and  alert, 
perceived  at  once  that  the  line  in  front  of  him  not  only  greatly 
outnumbered  his  scanty  command,  but  was  stretching  out  to 
wards  the  left,  threatening  to  envelop  its  flank,  and  instantly 
he  ordered  a  detachment  of  his  small  band  to  drive  back  the 
menacing  force.  Wounded  in  the  leg  early  in  the  fight,  leaning 
against  a  tree,  he  directed  his  rapidly  falling  men.  The 
opposing  lines  drew  closer  together  and  as  the  Bucktails  by  a 
withering  fire  drove  back  the  attack  that  swarmed  towards 
their  flank,  the  rebel  line  appeared  to  crumble,  and  for  a  moment 
it  seemed  as  though  success  would  attend  the  efforts  of  the 
devoted  band.  At  this  moment  General  Turner  Ashby,  on  foot, 
appeared  in  front  of  the  Confederate  line,  urging  his  Virginians 
forward.  His  horse  had  been  shot  under  him,1  but  undaunted 
he  sprang  forward,  ordering  the  men  to  cease  firing  and  use 
the  bayonet.  "Charge  men/'  he  shouted,  "for  God's  sake 
"charge  !"2  His  regiment  rallied  for  a  moment.  Then  one  of 
the  Bucktails  took  deliberate  aim  and  fired.3  With  the  crack 
of  the  rifle,  Ashby,  the  beloved  General  of  the  Confederacy,  fell 
dead.4  Colonel  Kane  was  wounded  again  in  the  breast  and 

1  "Ashby  was   riding  a  horse  belonging  to  Lieutenant  Willis  .  .  . 
"he  was  now  killed  and  Ashby  was  on  foot."    Lossing's  "Civil  War  in 
"America,"  Vol.  II.,  p.  395. 

2  "Stonewall  Jackson  and  the  American  Civil  War,"  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  C.  F.  R.  Henderson,  Vol.  I.,  p.  445.     Also  John  Esten  Cooke's 
"Military  History  of  Stonewall  Jackson." 

3  Bates  states  that  the  shot  was  fired  by  Corporal  Holmes  who  was 
lying  mortally  wounded  on  the  ground.     In  this  he  is  almost  beyond 
the  slightest  doubt  in  error.    The  man  believed  to  be  the  real  marksman 
is  still  living,  but  though  proud  of  his  membership  in  the  regiment  pre 
fers  to  remain  unnamed  in  this  case. 

*  The  stern  Jackson  valued  General  Ashby  so  highly  that  in  his 
official  report  he  said :  "  as  a  partisan  officer  I  never  knew  his  superior ; 
"his  daring  was  proverbial ;  his  powers  of  endurance  almost  incredible ; 
"his  tone  of  character  heroic,  and  his  sagacity  almost  intuitive  in  di- 
"vining  the  purposes  and  movements  of  the  enemy."  (O.  R.  I.  XII. 


156  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  June  1862 

Lieutenant  Wolfe,  approaching  him  said:  "Colonel,  shall  I  send 
"two  men  to  carry  you  back,  we  can't  stay  here  any  longer,  if 
"we  don't  get  out  right  speedily,  we  will  all  be  captured."  With 
bull-dog  courage  the  Colonel  responded :  "You  are  doing  nobly 
"Lieutenant,  give  them  hell."  About  the  time  that  General 
Ashby  fell,  the  First  Maryland,  under  Colonel  Bradley  T. 
Johnson,  came  to  the  assistance  of  the  Fifty-Eighth  Virginia. 
Raging  at  the  loss  of  their  brigade  commander  and  led  by 
Johnson,  the  two  regiments,  charging  forward  till  but  a  hun 
dred  and  fifty  feet  separated  the  combatants,  redoubled  their 
attack  on  their  foes,  now  reduced  in  number  to  between  fifty 
and  sixty.  Convinced  that  the  support  he  expected  would  not 
arrive,  with  his  own  force  but  half  the  size  it  had  been  an  hour 
previously  while  the  enemy  had  been  strengthened  by  fresh 
troops,  Colonel  Kane  reluctantly,  as  the  darkness  gathered, 
ordered  his  men  to  retreat.  Captain  Taylor,  of  Company  H, 
succeeded  in  drawing  off  the  survivors,  numbering  but  fifty- 
two.  Unwilling  to  leave  his  commander  alone,  wounded,  he 
returned  to  the  field,  to  recover  the  body  if  dead,  or  to  assist 

i.,  p.  712.)  Colonel  Kane,  who  a  prisoner,  was  taken  to  General  Ewell's 
headquarters,  is  reported  as  saying  that  upon  an  officer  reporting  to  that 
General  that  the  Confederate  forces  had  gained  a  glorious  victory  driving 
the  enemy  from  the  field,  General  Ewell  exclaimed  "General,  I  am  aston 
ished  that  you  should  have  the  face  to  come  into  my  presence  and  claim 
"a  victory ;  such  victories  would  drive  us  to  hell  before  we  are  ready  to 
"go.  Shame !  shame !  that  not  over  one  hundred  men  should  so  nearly 
"destroy  one  of  my  best  brigades,  and  worse  that  I  must  lose  the  brave 
"General  Ashby  who  had  to  take  command  of  your  brigade  in  person  in 
"order  to  prevent  defeat.  I  would  not  have  lost  him  for  a  regiment  such 
"as  you."  Captain  John  P.  Bard  stated  that  this  conversation  was  re 
ported  to  him  by  an  officer  to  whom  Colonel  Kane  had  repeated  it. 
Though  plainly  somewhat  exaggerated  and  distorted,  it  is  doubtless 
nearly  correct,  and  the  fact  that  Colonel  Kane  had  been  a  classmate  of 
General  Swell's,  and  was  therefore  more  likely  to  speak  frankly  to  him, 
may  explain  how  the  latter,  alone  amongst  the  Confederates  seems  to 
have  had  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  strength  of  the  Bucktail  battalion. 


VALLEY  CAMPAIGN  157 

1862  June  6] 

him  if  still  living.  With  Kane  he  was  made  a  prisoner.  Recog 
nizing  his  chivalrous  conduct  the  Confederates  offered  him  his 
parole,  but  he  refused,  as  did  also  Colonel  Kane. 

Many  stories  have  been  told  about  this  battle.  On  the 
Union  side  the  loss  of  the  Bucktails  was  at  first  underestimated, 
though  the  bravery  of  the  men  was  immediately  recognized. 
General  Bayard,  in  his  report,  dated  Harrisonburg,  June  7, 
1862,  to  Assistant  Adjutant-General  Breck,  says : 

"Colonel  Kane  had  a  fight  with  a  regiment  of  infantry. 
"He  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner;  also  Captains  Taylor 
"and  Blanchard  and  Lieutenant  Swayne  wounded.  He  lost  25 
"men.  The  Bucktails  fought  splendidly."  l 

In  General  Fremont's  general  report  of  the  Valley  cam 
paign,  referring  to  this  action,  he  says  : 

"Almost  immediately  after  getting  into  the  timber  the 
"Rifles  encountered  a  regiment  of  cavalry  with  artillery  and  a 
"regiment  of  infantry,  from  which  they  received  a  very  dam- 
"aging  fire.  A  very  severe  engagement  of  half  an  hour  fol 
lowed,  during  which  the  Rifles  lost  upward  of  40  in  killed, 
"wounded  and  missing.  Colonel  Kane  was  wounded  and  taken 
"prisoner,  Captain  Taylor  a  prisoner,  Captain  Blanchard  shot 
"through  both  legs,  and  Lieutenant  Swayne  wounded.  This 
"noble  body  of  Riflemen  is  entitled  to  the  expression  of  my 
"warm  admiration  for  excellent  conduct  and  efficiency  during 
"the  march,  and  for  distinguished  bravery  on  this  occasion."1 

10.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  676. 

2O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  18.  Lieutenant  Swayne  died  in  the  hospital  at 
Harrisburg,  and  Captain  Blanchard,  although  he  succeeded  in  rejoining 
the  regiment  near  Sharpsburg,  in  October,  was  so  crippled  that  he  was 
compelled  to  resign  in  December.  Suffering  constantly,  his  wounds  the 
seat  of  erysipelas,  his  subsequent  life  has  been  little  better  than  daily 
torture.  Although  not  mentioned  in  this  despatch,  Captain  Gifford,  of 
Company  C,  was  also  severely  wounded,  and  weakened  both  in  this 
way  and  by  exposure  was  compelled  to  resign  November  17,  1862. 


158  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  June  1862 

The  Philadelphia  Inquirer  of  June  10,  1862,  published  a 
report  of  the  skirmish  and  gave  the  loss  as  3  killed,  37  wounded 
and  9  missing.  This  report  has  many  obvious  errors  in  the 
spelling  of  the  names.  The  muster  rolls  of  Sypher's  "History 
"of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps"  show  the  loss  as  37  killed, 
wounded  and  captured.  Not  taking  into  account  those  missing, 
but  not  captured,  the  muster  rolls  at  the  end  of  the  present  vol 
ume  show :  Killed  7,  wounded  39,  captured  5.  No  official  report 
covering  the  loss  entailed  in  this  affair  had  been  discovered,  but 
the  loss  as  given  in  the  muster  rolls  is  believed  to  be  correct, 
with  the  exception  of  two  names  as  yet  unidentified. 

The  fact  that  the  regiment  was  engaged  against  troops  of 
Ashby's  brigade  led  Bates  in  his  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania 
"Volunteers,"  to  write,  so  as  to  give  the  impression  that  the 
entire  Confederate  brigade,  infantry,  cavalry  and  artillery  were 
in  actual  contact  with  Kane's  battalion ;  further  he  states  that  a 
published  rebel  statement  gave  the  Confederate  loss  as  five  hun 
dred  and  fifty-nine.1  As  a  matter  of  fact  the  Confederate  artil 
lery  was  in  action,  for  Colonel  Munford,  commanding  General 
Ashby's  brigade,  in  his  report  of  this  engagement  dated  Febru 
ary  26,  1863,  says : 

"As  soon  as  our  forces  became  engaged  the  Yankee  cav- 
"alry  advanced  to  the  support  of  the  Bucktails.  I  advanced 
"with  my  command  to  meet  them,  and  getting  within  easy 
"range,  I  opened  with  two  pieces  of  Chew's  battery,  which  had 
"been  masked  in  the  rear  of  the  cavalry  and  drove  them  from 
"their  position."2 

Whether  General  Bayard's  orders  to  Colonel  Kane  were 
to  hold  his  position  should  he  strike  the  enemy,  or  to  return 
in  forty  minutes,  his  desire  and  attempt  to  relieve  the  hard- 

1  Vol.  I.,  p.  911-913. 

*  O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  732. 


THE  V  ALLEY  CAMPAIGN  159 

1862  June  6] 

pressed  battalion  are  thus  established  beyond  dispute.  That  he 
did  not  do  so,  was  owing  to  his  strict  orders  not  to  bring  on  a 
general  engagement,  which  must  have  inevitably  resulted  had 
he  either  continued  to  advance  or  called  for  reinforcements. 
Hard  as  it  must  have  been  to  the  intrepid  cavalry  leader,  he 
was  compelled  to  remain  inactive,  and  pray  dumbly  that  his 
Bucktail  battalion  would  return  before  it  was  annihilated. 

General  Ewell  reporting  the  loss  sustained  by  his  regi 
ments,  gives  it  as  follows : 

Killed.    Wounded.      Missing.        Total. 

First  Maryland    6  n  17 

Fifty-Eighth  Virginia  ....      n  39  3  53 

17  50  3  701 

So  gallant  was  considered  the  conduct  of  the  First  Mary 
land  in  this  battle  that  the  following  order  was  issued : 

''General  Orders  Headquarters  Ewell's  Division. 

"No.  30.  June  12,  1862. 

"In  commemoration  of  the  gallant  conduct  of  the  First 
"Maryland  Regiment  on  the  6th  of  June,  instant,  when  led  by 
"Col.  Bradley  T.  Johnson,  they  drove  back  with  loss  the  Penn- 
"sylvania  Bucktail  Rifles  in  the  engagement  near  Harrisonburg, 
"Rockingham  County,  Va.,  authority  is  given  to  have  one  of  the 
"captured  bucktails  (the  insignia  of  the  Federal  regiment) 
"appended  to  the  color  staff  of  the  First  Maryland  Regiment. 

"By  order  of  Major-General  Ewell. 

"JAMES  BARTON, 
"Assistant- Ad  j  utant-General .  "2 

1 0.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  783. 

*O.  R.  I.  LI.  ii.,  p.  570.  General  Bradley  T.  Johnson  in  a  letter 
dated  July  9,  1898  to  ist-Sergt.  William  H.  Rauch,  stated  that  the  regi 
mental  flag  to  which  the  trophy  was  attached  was  carried  at  the  battle 
of  Cross  Keys;  during  the  rest  of  the  Valley  Campaign;  the  Seven 
Days'  battles;  and  till  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  on  August  12, 
1862.  The  flag  and  the  trophy  were  then  presented  by  the  regiment  to 
Mrs.  Johnson. 


160  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  June  1862 

Had  the  Confederates  realized  the  smallness  of  the  force 
with  which  they  contended,  surely  this  order  would  not  have 
been  promulgated.  As  to  the  actual  strength  of  the  Confederate 
regiments,  probably  no  more  trustworthy  information  can  be 
obtained,  than  that  contained  in  the  following  letter  from  Col 
onel  Johnson : 

"The  Woodlands,  Virginia, 

"Amelia  Court  House, 

"August  8,  1898. 
"T.  H.  Ryan,  Esq. 

"My  Dear  Sir:  Your  correspondence  with  me  is  very 
"interesting.  After  36  years  I  learn  for  the  first  time  that  you 
"had  only  part  of  four  companies — 104  men.  I  had  275  men 
"present  in  ranks  in  the  First  Maryland  and  the  Fifty-Eighth 
"Virginia  must  have  had  200  or  more.  So  you  fought  five  to 
"one.  Our  loss  was  17  killed,  50  wounded,  and  3  missing  (70) 
"in  all.  A  game  fight  for  you,  and  I  heartily  congratulate  you 
"on  it. 

"This  shows  how  little  we  old  soldiers  knew  of  what  we 
"were  doing.  I  have  always  thought  that  you  were  almost 
"exterminated,  for  I  saw  no  one  reach  the  other  side  of  the  field 
"after  you  broke  that  covering.  Anyhow,  it  was  a  pretty  hard 
"fight  all  around. 

"You  put  three  balls  into  my  horse  and  would  have  killed 
"me,  dead  sure,  if,  when  the  second  ball  struck  him  he  had  not 
"thrown  up  his  head  and  caught  the  bullet  intended  for  me. 

"Good  luck  to  you  and  all  the  old  Bucktails. 
"Yours, 

"BRADLEY  T.  JOHNSON."* 

Thomas  H.  Ryan  was  a  Corporal  in  Company  G.  General  John 
son  always  exhibited  keen  interest  in  the  doings  of  his  sometime 
opponents,  until  his  death,  October  5th,  1903,  and  only  unavoidable  cir 
cumstances  prevented  his  attending  some  of  the  Bucktail  reunions.  He 
had  the  engraving  of  the  battle  made,  which  is  reproduced  in  this 
volume,  designing  that  the  money  obtained  from  the  sale  of  copies, 


CAMPAIGN  161 

1862  June  6] 

Thus  at  the  lowest  estimate  the  battalion  had  engaged  five 
times  its  number,  and  was  conscious  during  the  entire  time  it 
was  under  fire,  that  not  only  were  other  regiments  within  call 
of  their  opponents,  but  that  at  any  moment  the  enemy  could 
obtain  support  from  artillery  and  cavalry.  The  desperateness 
of  the  combat  and  the  accuracy  of  the  battalion's  fire  are  attested 
by  the  fact  that  General  Ashby's  horse  was  shot  a  moment 
before  he  himself  fell  a  victim  to  the  Bucktail  marksman ;  Gen 
eral  Johnson's  horse  received  three  bullets ;  and  two  successive 
color  bearers  of  the  First  Maryland  dropped  badly  wounded. 
Nor  did  the  Bucktails  suffer  less.  A  newspaper  correspondent 
reports1  that  he  saw  at  the  hospital  one  man  who  though 
wounded  in  three  places  had  been  brought  back.  A  wounded 
officer,  in  reply  to  an  inquiry  told  him,  "Why  you  see  I  was  told 
"to  deploy  some  men  as  skirmishers  and  before  we  had  moved 
"thirty  yards  we  were  breast  to  breast  with  a  whole  regiment  of 
"Rebels.  It  was  no  use,  of  course,  to  fight,  but  as  for  retreat, 
"I  knew  the  Colonel  would  not  hear  of  it,  so  we  went  in." 

The  Shenandoah  Valley  may  be  roughly  described  as  being 
formed  by  the  Shenandoah  mountains  on  the  west  and  the  Blue 
Ridge  on  the  east,  but  divided  longitudinally  for  some  fifty 
miles  by  the  Massanutten  mountains,  the  northern  extremity 
of  which  is  level  with  a  line  drawn  between  Front  Royal  and 
Strasburg.  The  range  runs  southward,  following  the  direction 
of  the  mountains  that  enclose  the  valley,  and  ends  slightly  below 
Harrisonburg.  The  north  fork  of  the  Shenandoah  River  runs 
north  on  the  west  side  of  the  range,  though  it  is  not  of  any  size 
below  Mt.  Jackson  or  New  Market.  The  south  fork,  however, 

should  be  devoted  to  the  erection  of  a  monument  to  commemorate  the 
Maryland  line.  The  receipts  proving  very  slight  this  plan  was  aban 
doned. 

1  Philadelphia  Inquirer,  June  16,  1862. 

12 


162  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  June   1862 

is  a  considerable  stream  for  many  miles,  before  on  its  northward 
journey  it  reaches  the  southern  extremity  of  the  range,  and 
when  it  does,  it  flows  northward  on  its  eastern  side. 

While  the  force  under  General  Fremont  had  been  driving 
Jackson  down  the  western  side  of  the  Massanutten,  a  force 
under  General  Shields  had  been  traveling  down  the  eastern 
side;  and  it  was  intended  that  the  two  forces  should  converge 
at  the  southern  end  of  the  range,  and  together  crush  the  wily 
Confederate.  Fremont  had  reached  Harrisonburg  on  the  6th, 
and  Jackson,  to  escape,  was  compelled  to  turn  at  bay.  Jackson's 
desire  was  to  hold  the  force  under  Fremont  back,  till  he  himself 
had  crossed  the  south  fork  of  the  Shenandoah  at  Port  Repub 
lic,  twelve  miles  away.  If  he  could  do  this,  and  burn  the  bridge 
behind  him,  he  felt  confident  that  he  could  stave  off  any  attack 
Shields  might  make.  Hence  while  his  main  force  moved  down 
to  Port  Republic  to  cross  the  river,  three  brigades,  Elzy's, 
Trimble's  and  Ewell's,  were  ordered  to  contest  Fremont's  ad 
vance  at  Cross  Keys,  a  small  settlement  seven  miles  below  Har 
risonburg,  which  owed  its  name  to  a  small  tavern  that  at  one 
time  stood  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  Union  church,  and  had 
for  a  sign  a  device  with  two  keys  crossed. 

As  has  been  seen,  Fremont's  desire  to  prevent  a  general 
engagement  had  deterred  Bayard  from  succoring  the  Bucktails 
at  Harrisonburg  on  the  6th.  This  desire  seems  to  have  been 
due  to  his  ignorance  of  the  exact  location  of  Shields.  On  the 
morning  of  the  7th,  still  without  definite  information  as  to 
Shields5  whereabouts,  Fremont  sent  forward  a  reconnaissance 
in  force,  and  learned  that  Jackson  was  preparing  to  resist  a  fur 
ther  advance  by  him.  Accordingly  on  the  morning  of  the  8th, 
Fremont  moved  forward  in  battle  array.  Bayard's  cavalry, 
owing  to  its  arduous  service  and  lack  of  horseshoes,  being 
unfitted  for  further  movement,  was  temporarily  left  behind  at 


THE  VAU.EY  CAMPAIGN  163 

1862  June  8] 

Harrisonburg ;  but  the  remnant  of  the  Bucktail  battalion,  which 
since  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  had  marched,  skirmished 
and  fought  foot  to  foot  with  this  mounted  force,  was  still 
reported  to  be  in  condition!  It  was  therefore  attached  to 
Stand's  brigade.  As  the  Union  force  advanced,  Stand's  bri 
gade  formed  the  left  and  Milroy's  brigade  the  right,  with 
Schenck's  brigade  in  support.  The  advance  opened  fire  by  half- 
past  eight;  by  eleven  o'clock  heavy  firing  commenced,  which 
lasted  with  great  obstinacy  and  vehemence  till  four  in  the  after 
noon.1  The  Confederate  line  extended  along  one  of  the  ridges, 
with  which  the  country  abounds,  while  the  Union  forces  occu 
pied  a  parallel  lower  ridge.  As  the  battle  progressed  the  Union 
formation  became  Stahel  on  the  left,  Milroy  in  the  centre  and 
Schenck  on  the  right.  Both  flanks  were  heavily  wooded.  The 
Bucktails,  who,  since  Colonel  Kane  and  Captain  Taylor  had 
been  captured  at  Harrisonburg,  were  commanded  by  Captain 
Hugh  McDonald,  of  Company  G,  were  ordered  by  General 
Stahel  to  support  Buell's  battery  of  Pierrepont  guns,  and  with 
this  battery,  came  into  contact  with  Trimble's  division,  which 
formed  the  Confederate  right.  As  the  battery,  with  the  Buck- 
tails,  emerged  from  the  woods  and  went  into  action,  the  enemy 
dropped  a  few  shells  amongst  them ;  John  McElhaney  of  Com 
pany  C,  being  severely  wounded  in  the  leg.  A  member  of  the 
Twenty-Seventh  Pennsylvania,  deployed  in  advance  of  the 
Bucktails,  was  also  hit.  As  the  line  of  advance  led  down  into 
the  hollow  and  along  a  ravine  at  right  angles,  the  desired  posi 
tion  was  attained  without  further  damage  being  suffered.  Cap 
tain  McDonald  soon  found,  however,  that  his  position  was  too 
far  to  the  right  and  too  directly  in  the  range  of  the  Union  guns. 
Ordering  his  men  to  move  towards  the  left,  he  made  them  lie 
down  in  the  hollow.  Though  most  of  the  shells  passed  safely 

1  Fremont's  report.    O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  654. 


1 64  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[8  June  1862 

over  them,  George  C.  DeBeck  of  Company  G,  was  wounded 
by  one  that  dropped  into  their  midst.  Lieutenant  Winslow, 
who  was  also  struck,  escaped  with  an  injury  to  his  trousers. 
As  the  afternoon  progressed  a  portion  of  Stand's  line  was 
driven  back,  leaving  Buell's  battery,  with  its  supports,  exposed. 
The  Confederate  brigade,  under  Trimble,  moving  forward  as 
the  Union  troops  retreated,  had  worked  around,  till  the  latter 
was  able  in  his  report  to  say,  that  he  observed  "from  its  fire  a 
''battery  on  the  enemy's  left,  half  a  mile  in  front  of  us,"  and  he 
"promptly  decided  to  make  a  move  from  our  right  flank  and 
"try  to  capture  the  battery."  ]  The  position  was  exceedingly 
complicated.  General  Trimble  confident  of  success  ordered  por 
tions  of  the  Thirteenth  and  Twenty-Fifth  Virginia  regiments 
"to  advance  on  the  enemy  in  line  of  battle  perpendicularly  to 
"his  line  and  in  rear  of  the  battery."2  To  assist  in  the  move 
ment  he  had  near  him  the  Twenty-First  Georgia,  the  Sixteenth 
Mississippi  and  Fifteenth  Alabama.  As  the  menacing  force 
advanced  Captain  Buell  changed  position  and  loaded  his  guns, 
remarking:  "Boys,  they've  got  us,  but  we  will  hurt  some  of 
"them  badly  before  they  take  my  guns."  Fresh  from  the  death 
trap  of  Harrisonburg  the  Bucktails  muttered  that  they  had  been 
in  worse  places  before.  Captain  McDonald  ordered  them  to  lie 
down  and  await  the  coming  of  the  enemy,  the  Twenty-Seventh 
Pennsylvania  waiting  grimly  with  them.  Two  or  three  minutes 
later,  the  enemy  came  charging  up  the  slope,  and  with  a  cheer 
the  almost  surrounded  troops  rose  and  rushed  forward  to  meet 
them.  Using  the  bayonet  with  deadly  effect  they  repulsed  the 
attack.  So  carried  away  by  their  impetuosity  were  they  that  for 
a  time  Captain  Buell  vainly  begged  them  to  return,  so  that  he 
might  bring  his  guns  into  play.  When  they  did  return,  hardly 

1 0.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  796. 
2  O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  796. 


THE  VALLEY  CAMPAIGN  165 

1862  June  8] 

had  they  taken  cover  before  a  new  line  of  attack  was  formed  by 
the  Confederates,  and  to  the  terribly  placed  Captain  of  Artillery 
the  case  appeared  hopeless.  Again  the  intrepid  Bucktails  vowed 
that  there  would  be  much  fun  before  the  guns  were  lost. 

An  opportunity  seemed  to  present  itself.  The  artillery 
belched  forth  a  murderous  flood  of  grape-shot  and  rapidly 
limbering  up,  a  dash  was  made  by  the  imperiled  battery  and  its 
escort,  towards  the  Union  lines.  So  precarious  had  been  its 
position,  that  General  Fremont,  who  was  watching  the  action, 
had  given  it  up  for  lost,  and  when  it  emerged  from  the  woods 
flying  towards  safety,  some  Union  batteries,  believing  that  it 
must  be  part  of  the  Confederate  artillery,  opened  fire  upon  it.1 

The  display  of  the  flag  of  the  Twenty- Seventh  Pennsyl 
vania  caused  these  batteries  to  cease  firing,  and  with  the  loss  of 
one  or  two  horses,  Buell,  the  Bucktails,  and  the  Twenty- Seventh 
drew  up  within  the  lines.2  It  has  been  frequently  claimed  that 

1  McDonald's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  676. 

2  As    with    the   fight   at    Harrisonburg,    considerable   vagueness    has 
characterized  the  reports  not  only  in  regard  to  the  battle  in  general, 
but  also  as  to  the  endangered  batteries   of  General   Stahel.     General 
Trimble  who  reports  the  attempted  capture  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  796) 
does  not  seem  to  have  known  what  battery  he  was  attacking,  nor  by  what 
regiments  it  was  saved.     He  places  the  responsibility  for  the  failure  on 
the  Sixteenth  Mississippi.     General  Fremont  in  his  general  report  (O. 
R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  21 )   states  that  the  regiment  that  was  repulsed  by  the 
use  of  the  bayonet  was  a  Mississippi   regiment;    but  though  General 
Trimble's  report  is  slightly  difficult  of  understanding  without  further 
knowledge  of  the  local  topography,  it  is  probable  that  the  Sixteenth 
Mississippi  was  the  one  driven  back.     Captain  McDonald  in  his  official 
report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  675),  in  accordance  with  his  character,  gives 
a  short  terse  account,  carefully  avoiding  anything  like  the  glorification 
of  his  command.    In  another  short  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  658)  Gen 
eral  Fremont  merely  records  the  fact  that  "the  bayonet  was  used  to 
"extricate  one  of  our  batteries  from  more  than  three  regiments  of  the 
"enemy."    The  account  here  given  is  in  strict  accord  with  the  various 
official  records,  pieced  together,  the  obscure  places  having  been  made 
plainer  by  the  account  written  by  the  late  Captain  John  P.  Bard,  and 
submitted  by  him  to  Major  Wolfe,  who  was  lieutenant  of  Company  G. 


166  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[8  June  i86a 

had  General  Fremont  not  recalled  Milroy,  who  was  penetrating 
the  Confederate  center,  at  the  time  Stahel  was  driven  back,  a 
decided  victory  would  have  been  recorded  upon  the  Union  side, 
if  indeed  Jackson  had  escaped  being  entirely  crushed.  Be  that 
as  it  may,  Milroy  was  recalled  and  the  battle  ceased. 

The  Bucktails  had  gone  into  the  fight  without  a  mouthful 
of  food  in  their  haversacks,  in  fact  they  had  had  been  on  half 
rations  for  several  days ;  doubly  acceptable,  therefore,  was  the 
action  of  General  Fremont  in  seeing  that  they  were  supplied 
with  food  from  his  own  Headquarters.  Colonel  Pilsen,  Fre 
mont's  Chief  of  Artillery,  the  next  morning,  sought  out  the  bat 
talion,  to  thank  the  men  in  person  for  what  they  had  done.  As 
he  shook  each  of  them  by  the  hand  tears  rolled  down  the 
deeply  bronzed  cheeks  of  Captain  Buell. 

The  official  loss  of  the  battalion  was  given  as  follows : 

Killed.    Wounded.     Missing.        Total. 
I  7  81 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  General  Fremont  moved  for 
ward  to  Port  Republic,  only  to  find  that  Jackson  had  crossed 
the  Shenandoah,  leaving  the  bridge  in  flames.  Shields'  ad 
vance  guard  had  been  driven  back ;  and  on  the  same  morning 
that  General  received  orders  to  get  his  force  together  to 
move  to  Fredericksburg,  while  Fremont,  through  a  telegram 
from  the  President,  was  ordered  to  pursue  no  farther.  This 
ended  the  Valley  campaign,  during  which  Bates  estimated 
that  Kane's  battalion,  moving  with  Bayard's  cavalry,  had  aver 
aged  twenty  miles  a  day,  exclusive  of  the  extra  ground  covered 
in  skirmishing.  On  June  7th,  in  a  communication  to  Assistant 
Adjutant-General  Breck,  General  Bayard  says : 

1  O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  665.  But  the  muster  rolls  show  at  least  one  man 
missing.  The  loss,  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  of  the  27th  Pennsyl 
vania  was  92. 


THIC  VALLEY  CAMPAIGN  167 

1862  June  27] 

"We  have  had  the  advance  ever  since  we  have  been  here, 
"and  have  taken  about  300  prisoners  and  released  about  40  of 
"Banks'  men.  We  are  utterly  used  up,  except  Lieutenant  Hall's 
"Griffin  guns,  and  the  Bucktails."  ' 

A  greater  tribute  could  not  have  been  paid.  The  battalion, 
with  a  force  of  two  hundred  and  sixty-four1  on  May  29th,  was 
only  able  on  June  6th,  at  Harrisonburg,  to  put  into  the  field  one 
hundred  and  five  men.  As  the  cavalry,  utterly  worn  out,  was 
left  behind  at  Harrisonburg,  while  the  Bucktails  moved  for 
ward  and  took  a  brilliant  part  in  the  action  at  Cross  Keys,  Col 
onel  Kane's  contention  that  they  could  wear  down  mounted 
forces  was  substantiated.  Still,  for  the  sake  of  the  men,  it  was 
fortunate  that  the  experiment  was  not  repeated.  Human  endur 
ance  has  limitations  which  may  not  with  impunity  be  violated. 

On  June  roth  Fremont  was  directed  to  send  Bayard's  cav 
alry,  with  the  Bucktail  battalion,  to  join  Shields'  force/  He 
himself  retired  to  Mt.  Jackson,  while  Shields  moved  up  the 
Luray  Valley.  Jackson  encamped  at  Weyler's  Cave,  a  few 
miles  below  Port  Republic,  on  the  I2th,  and  shortly  after, 
moving  through  the  passes,  advanced  by  rapid  marches  to  aid 
in  the  defense  of  Richmond,  arriving  in  time  to  take  active  part 
in  the  battle  of  Games'  Mill  on  June  27th.  His  campaign  must 
be  considered  a  brilliant  strategetical  victory.  By  skillful  ma 
neuvering,  with  about  17,000  men,  he  had  neutralized  the 
effectiveness  of  60,000  or  70,000  Union  troops,  and  prevented 
reinforcements  being  sent  to  McClellan  on  the  Peninsula. 

1 0.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  676. 
2  O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  284. 
'  O.  R.  I.  XII.  i.,  p.  655. 


KANE'S    BATTALION. 

II. 

CATLETT'S  STATION  AND  SECOND  BULL  RUN. 


The  raid  by  Jackson  had  shown  the  Government  the  desir 
ability  of  not  keeping  scattered  the  forces  retained  to  defend 
Washington,  while  McClellan  labored  over  the  Peninsular  route 
towards  Richmond.  On  June  26th,  therefore,  the  troops  under 
Fremont,  Banks,  McDowell  and  Sturgis  were  consolidated  into 
the  Army  of  Virginia,  under  the  command  of  General  John 
Pope.  The  Third  corps  of  this  army  was  placed  under  General 
McDowell,  and  to  this  corps  Bayard's  cavalry  and  the  Bucktails 
were  attached.  On  June  26th,  McClellan,  on  the  Peninsula  com 
menced  his  Seven  Days'  retreat,  reaching  camp  at  Harrison's 
Landing  on  July  2nd.  If  McClellan  should  remain  inactive,  an 
attack  on  Washington  was  to  be  apprehended.  Pope,  therefore, 
with  correct  military  foresight,  proceeded  to  collect  his  scattered 
forces  in  front  of  Washington,  throwing  them  forward  along 
the  line  of  the  Washington  and  Alexandria  Railroad  towards 
Charlottesville. 

Quick  to  take  advantage  of  the  situation  on  the  Peninsula, 
Lee  ordered  Jackson  north,  thus  proving  the  sagacity  of  Pope's 
measures.  Jackson  crossed  the  Rapidan  on  July  7th  and  8th. 
Pope,  to  parry  the  movement,  advanced  his  army  south,  and  on 
August  pth  the  opposing  forces  came  into  contact  at  Cedar 

Mountain.     Bates  in  his  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Volun- 
168 


CATLETT'S  STATION  AND  SECOND  BULL  RUN         169 

1862  August  19] 

"teers"  *  states  that  the  Bucktail  battalion  was  engaged  in  that 
action,  but  it  seems  probable  that  if  they  were,  the  part  they 
took  was  not  a  prominent  one,  as  they  then,  with  the  Maine 
Light  Artillery,  Third  battery,  formed  the  Headquarters  corps 
of  General  McDowell's  Third  Army  corps.1  Moreover,  it  seems 
inconceivable  that  such  hard  fighters  could  participate  in  a  battle 
where  the  Union  casualties  totaled  over  2,000,  without  losing  a 
man.  Yet  in  the  official  casualty  report,5  they  are  not  men 
tioned. 

Apparently  they  were  assigned  to  the  Headquarters  corps, 
between  June  28th  and  July  2ist;  for  on  the  former  date,  from 
Manassas,  General  Bayard  reported  their  strength  as  184 — sick 
13,*  and  on  the  latter  date,  at  Fairfax,  he  requested  that  if 
possible  they  be  sent  to  him.5  At  all  events  their  official  desig 
nation  August  16-31,  was  Corps  headquarters,  Third  army 
corps.* 

The  most  kaleidoscopic  campaign  of  the  war  succeeded  the 
Confederate  repulse  at  Cedar  Mountain. 

Jackson  retreated  southward  to  Gordonsville,  and  Lee 
ordered  Longstreet  to  move  up  and  form  junction  with  him. 
This  was  accomplished  on  the  I5th  of  August.  The  Bucktail 
battalion  on  the  ipth,  was  at  Brandy  Station,  and  great  was 

*  Vol.  I.,  p.  916. 

'O.  R.  I.  XII.  Hi.,  p.  584. 

8  O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  136-139. 

4  O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  439. 

5  O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii,  p.  488. 

6  That  a  discussion  should  be  necessary  as  to  whether  or  not  the 
battalion  took  part  in  such  an  important  battle  as  Cedar  Mountain,  is 
perhaps  the  best  possible  commentary  on  the  meagreness   of  reliable 
data  connected  with  this  campaign.     Bates'  misstatement,  if  misstate- 
ment  it  is,  is  easily  accounted  for  by  supposing  he  believed  the  battalion 
to  have  still  been  attached  to  Bayard's  brigade,  which  lost  163  men. 
Or  the  Headquarters  Guard  might  have  been  sufficiently  near  to  the  line 
of  battle  to  have  been  under  fire  though  not  engaged. 


170  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[19  August  1862 

their  pleasure,  when  on  that  date  Colonel  Kane  returned  to 
them.  After  his  capture  Colonel  Kane,  with  Captain  Taylor, 
had  been  carried  across  Virginia,  Kane's  wound  unattended  to 
and  the  bullet  unextracted.  Finding  that  orders  had  been  given 
for  their  incarceration  in  a  Southern  prison,  notorious  for  the  ill- 
treatment  accorded  to  its  occupants,  and  recognizing  that  such 
an  experience  would  jeopardize  Captain  Taylor's  health,  which 
at  that  time  showed  plainly  the  effects  of  his  recent  exertions  and 
deprivations,  Kane  decided  to  accept  the  parole  offered.  With 
Taylor,  he  was  sent  to  Fortress  Monroe,  and  upon  his  being 
exchanged,  he  was  still  on  crutches.  His  masterful  spirit,  how 
ever,  remained  dominant ;  for  he  immediately  issued  orders  that 
"the  soldiers  carry  at  all  times,  until  further  orders,  one  hun 
dred  rounds  of  ball  cartridges,  forty  or  more  rounds  in  the 
"cartridge-box,  the  remainder  in  the  haversack."  Possibly  he 
remembered  a  previous  experience  during  the  expedition  to 
New  Creek,  when  his  scouts,  with  but  four  rounds  apiece,  had 
been  compelled  to  borrow  cartridges  from  their  companions, 
on  the  promise  that  they  would  be  repaid  upon  their  return. 

On  the  20th,  Jackson  and  Longstreet  crossed  the  Rapidan, 
Pope  falling  back  behind  the  Rappahannock.  The  Bucktails, 
still  attached  to  the  Headquarters  Guard,  were,  on  the  22nd, 
ordered  to  accompany  the  staff  trains,  and  marched  to  Catlett's 
Station,  where  the  trains  were  packed.1  On  the  same  day, 
Jackson  intended  to  start  his  raid  in  Pope's  rear,  and  actually 
succeeded  in  crossing  a  portion  of  his  men  higher  up  the  Rap 
pahannock.  To  further  confuse  the  Union  General,  Stuart, 
with  1500  cavalry  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  crossed  the 

1  Though  the  battalion  was  at  Headquarters,  they  appear  in  the 
morning  reports  as  in  Rickett's  brigade.  The  report  of  August  19,  1862, 
gives  the  aggregate  strength  of  the  battalion,  present  and  equipped  for 
duty  as  191.  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  580.) 


STATION  AND  SECOND  Buu,  RUN          171 

1862  August  22] 

Waterloo  and  Hart's  Mill  bridges,  moved  up  the  Warrenton 
pike,  and  then  swung  round  to  the  right  with  the  object  of 
swooping  down  on  Catlett's  Station  and  there  destroying  the 
railroad  bridge  over  Cedar  Creek  and  bagging  anything  that 
he  could  seize.  With  the  guard  protecting  the  train,  the  exact 
strength  of  which  will  probably  never  be  known,  were  the 
Bucktails;  Lieutenant  Winslow,  with  fifteen  men,  being  on 
picket. 

Early  in  the  evening  a  terrific  thunderstorm  broke  over 
the  camp.  Stuart's  force  had  arrived,  without  the  Union  troops 
being  aware  of  it,  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  Station,  and 
while  the  torrents  of  rain  made  Stuart  declare  that  the  night 
was  the  darkest  he  had  ever  known,  the  darkness  itself  would 
have  prevented  him  from  executing  his  designs,  had  not  a  negro 
whom  he  captured,  and  who  had  known  him  previously,  given 
him  information.  Dividing  his  forces,  Stuart  ordered  Colonel 
W.  H.  F.  Lee  to  proceed  to  the  place  indicated  by  the  negro  as 
containing  Pope's  personal  baggage,  while  the  First  and  Fifth 
Virginia  were  ordered  to  attack  the  camp,  over  which  the  Buck- 
tails  stood  guard.1 

Moving  forward  they  surprised  and  overwhelmed  Lieuten 
ant  Winslow  and  his  men  before  they  could  give  warning.  Fol 
lowing  this  capture  of  the  pickets  they  charged  right  through 
the  camp  itself,  overturned  everything  with  which  they  came  in 
contact,  and  proceeded  to  set  fire  to  the  train.2  In  a  moment 

1  With  the  ist  Virginia  was  John  Singleton  Mosby,  then  serving 
as  a  scout  attached  to  General  Stuart's  Headquarters.  Later  this  famous 
guerrilla  was  again  to  prove  a  thorn  in  the  side  of  the  hardy  moun 
taineers. 

8  Privates  W.  W.  Brown,  Frank  Wright,  Thomas  Malone  and  Lew 
Jordan  were  in  a  tent  together.  As  Stuart's  men  charged  through  the 
camp  a  portion  of  their  first  volley  tore  the  tent  flap,  while  the  men 
sprang  to  their  feet.  With  true  humor  Jordan  stuck  his  head  out,  yell 
ing  at  the  same  time :  "  Hold  on,  you  brutes,  you  are  shooting  right  this 
"way." 


172  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[22  August  1862 

Kane,  with  all  his  faculties  alert,  was  quivering  to  rectify  the 
damage  done.  By  prompt  action  he  succeeded  in  rallying  sixty- 
eight  men  in  an  adjoining  wood,  and  recognizing  instantly  that 
the  railroad  bridge  was  the  real  object  of  the  Confederates' 
attack,  he  marched  to  the  support  of  the  Purnell  Legion,  which 
had  been  assigned  to  the  defense  of  the  railroad  and  bridge. 
Apparently  before  even  Kane  could  get  to  the  bridge  the  Con 
federate  force,  which  under  Captain  Blackford  had  been  sent 
forward  to  destroy  it,  had  desisted  from  their  attempt  to  fire 
the  structure.  In  the  deluge  of  rain,  "they  might  just  as  well 
"have  tried  to  burn  the  creek!"  l  Some  attempt  was  made  to 
secure  axes,  but  the  darkness  proved  a  hindrance.  Moreover, 
the  bridge  "was  formed  of  double  trestle  work,  superposed, 
"which  rendered  destruction  difficult  and  repair  easy."2  Kane, 
therefore,  though  he  failed  to  find  the  Purnell  Legion,*  found 
the  vicinity  of  the  bridge  comparatively  quiet.  As  the  enemy 
returned  up  the  Manassas  road,  from  out  the  darkness  of  the 
trees  the  Bucktails  poured  in  a  volley  at  short  range  into  his 
face.  The  maddened  horses  stampeded.  A  half  mile  away, 
however,  their  riders  stopped  them,  and  then  set  fire  to  the  tents 
and  wagons  of  General  Pope's  staff.  Seeking  shelter  behind 
trees  and  wagons,  the  little  band  of  Bucktails  attempted  to  pick 
off  the  cavalrymen  engaged  in  their  work  of  destruction,  when 
ever  the  light  of  a  torch  betrayed  that  an  attempt  was  being 
made -to  set  fire  to  the  saturated  wagons.  So  dark  was  it  that 
it  was  impossible  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe,  excepting  by 
the  momentary  flashes  of  the  guns.  "The  animals  became 
"frightened,  and  increased  the  noise  and  confusion  of  the  fight. 
"The  shooting  and  shouting  of  the  men,  the  braying  of  the 

1  "Mosby's  War  Reminiscences,"  p.  249. 
8  Stuart's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  731. 
*  Kane's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  400. 


CATXSTT'S  STATION  AND  SECOND  Buu,  RUN          173 

1862  August  22] 

"mules,  the  glare  of  the  lightning  and  roll  of  the  thunder,  made 
"it  seem  like  all  Pandemonium  had  broken  loose."1 

Taking  advantage  of  the  turmoil  that  increased  with  every 
moment,  Kane  boldly  charged  his  men  across  the  open  field  in 
which  the  train  was  stationed.  Contemptible  as  were  the  Buck- 
tails  numerically,  as  compared  with  their  opponents,  they  at 
tacked  with  such  fury  that  they  drove  the  Confederates  from 
the  field  in  confusion. 

The  blame  for  this  surprise  must  rest  on  other  shoulders 
than  those  of  the  brave  men  suddenly  overwhelmed.  What 
was  the  cavalry  doing?  With  what  work  were  the  scouts  en 
gaged,  that  fifteen  hundred  men,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery, 
were  permitted  to  sweep  down  from  the  rear  of  the  army  in 
the  blackness  of  the  night  on  the  wagon  camp,  without  an  iota 
of  warning  being  given? 

Perhaps  the  best  commentary  that  can  be  made  is  that  for 
gallantry  at  Catlett's  Station  and  at  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull 
Run,  Colonel  Kane  was  on  the  7th  of  September  commissioned 
a  Brigadier-General.2 

1  "Mosby's  War  Reminiscences,"  p.  248-249. 

2  Chagrined  at  the  capture  of  his  pickets,  Kane  thought  it  incum 
bent  upon  him  to  commence  his  official  report  of  the  night  attack  with 
"I  am  sorry  to  report."     (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  400.)     But  in  reality  no 
blame  can  be  attached  to  him  or  to  the  members  of  his  battalion.  Mosby, 
their  chivalrous,  if  somewhat  peculiar  opponent,  says :  "  General  Pope, 
"unjustly  censures  them.     Considering  the  surprise,   I  think  they  did 
"remarkably  well."     ("Mosby's  War  Reminiscences,"  p.  428.)     The  cen 
sure  by  Pope,  to  which  Mosby  refers,  may  be  found  in  the  "Report  of 
"Major-General  Pope"  (Reports  to  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct 
of  the  War;  Supplement,  Part  II.,  p.  130),  but  this  censure  was  made 
when  Pope  did  not  know  the  facts,  for  he  gives  the  opposing  force  as 
"not  more  than  three  hundred,"  whereas,  Stuart  in  his  official  report  (O. 
R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  730),  states  he  had,  "say  about  1,500 — and  two  pieces  of 
"artillery."    Bates  refers  to  an  account  of  the  action  in  "Memoirs  of  the 
"Confederate  War  for  Independence,"  by  Heros  von  Borcke,  Chief  of 
Staff  to   General   J.   E.   B.    Stuart"    ("Blackwood's   Magazine,"    1865). 


174  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[22  August  1862 

Colonel  Kane  in  his  report  states  that  of  the  sixty-eight 
men  that  he  rallied,  he  lost  five  wounded — one  mortally1 — in 
the  charge.  The  Confederate  loss  was  25  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  which  was  exceedingly  slight  for  the  damage  com 
mitted,  as  General  Stuart  reported  that  he  took  over  300  pris 
oners,  and  also  secured  General  Pope's  uniform,  horses,  equip 
ments,  money-chests  and  papers  giving  the  strength  of  the  vari 
ous  regiments  under  his  command  and  disclosing  his  (General 
Pope's)  own  views  in  regard  to  his  ability  to  defend  the  line 
of  the  Rappahannock.  Moreover,  such  a  successful  raid  in  the 
rear  of  an  army  must  inevitably  have  a  bad  effect  on  its  morale. 

After  the  Catlett's  Station  affair  the  Bucktail  battalion 
moved  up  to  the  Bull  Run  battleground2  and  took  part  in  that 
action.  Unassigned,  Colonel  Kane  was  not  the  man  to  remain 
inactive.  As  the  Union  troops  came  pouring  in  disorder  over 
the  bridge  across  Cub  Run,  he,  with  his  small  force,  attempted 
to  check  the  panic  and  change  what  almost  approximated  a 
rout  into  an  orderly  retreat.  Finding  his  force  inadequate,  he 
then  moved  forward  and  picked  up  some  pieces  of  artillery 

No  memoirs  are  more  spirited  than  these  of  this  Prussian  officer,  if 
somewhat  bombastic,  exaggerated  and  inaccurate.  Mosby  likens  him  to 
Munchausen,  and  his  presentation  of  himself  to  Amadis  of  Gaul.  Pos 
sibly  a  "Prussian  Porthos" ;  would  be  a  preferable  sobriquet. 

1  In  the  Union  casualty  report  for  the  operations  August  i6th  to 
September  2nd,  1862,  inclusive   (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  253),  the  battalion 
loss  is  given  as  5  wounded  and  19  missing.     The  majority  of  those 
missing  were  probably  members  of  the  picket  force. 

2  Kane's  battalion,  as  has  been  seen,  took  an  active  part  in  Pope's 
movements  to  protect  Washington  from  the  Confederate  advance,  up  to 
the  night  of  the  23rd.     The  campaign  culminated,  on  August  31  st,  in 
the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run.    As  the  other  companies  ot  the  Bucktail 
regiment,    under    Colonel    McNeil,   arrived   with    Reynolds'   division   of 
Pennsylvania  Reserves,  at  Rappahannock  Station  on  August  23rd,  and 
took  part  in  some  of  the  strategetical  marches  between  that  date  and 
August  3ist,  that  portion  of  the  campaign  can  best  be  outlined  in  follow 
ing  their  movements  in  the  next  book. 


CAIXSTT'S  STATION  AND  SECOND  Buu,  RUN          175 

1862   September   i] 

under  command  of  a  Lieutenant,  with  which  he  repaired  to  the 
Bull  Run  Bridge,  where  he  found  Captain  Thompson  with  one 
rifled  gun,  Captain  Mathews  with  one  three-inch  rifled  gun, 
and  Lieutenant  Twitchell  with  one  brass  Napoleon.1  The  Con 
federates  made  no  attempt  to  capture  the  bridge,  and  the  pres 
ence  of  his  force,  small  though  it  was,  calm  and  undisturbed, 
standing  guard  amidst  the  confusion,  had  a  salutary  effect  on 
the  retreating  troops.  Night  closed  in  rapidly,  but  the  battal 
ion  still  stood  guard.  When,  after  midnight  the  last  troops 
passed  over  in  safety,  then  and  not  till  then,  the  Bucktails 
retired,  destroying  the  bridge  behind  them,  in  accordance  with 
their  orders.2 

The  battalion  was  under  fire  at  the  battle  of  Chantilly,3 
on  September  ist,  suffering  no  loss,  and  not  being  actively 
engaged.  From  there  they  moved  to  Alexandria,  where,  amidst 
much  jubilation,  they  were  reunited  with  the  other  six  com 
panies,  who  after  taking  a  spectacular  part  in  the  Peninsular 
campaign,  had  been  ordered  north  to  assist  the  Army  of  Vir 
ginia,  under  General  Pope,  and  who,  though  their  numbers  had 
been  depleted  while  taking  part  in  the  struggle  before  Rich 
mond,  had  skirmished  for  Reynolds'  division  in  such  a  manner 

1  Bates  is  the  sole  authority  for  the  names  of  these  guns.    General 
McDowell  in  his  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  344)  states  that  he  left  the 
battalion  and  two  officers  of  his  staff  at  the  bridge,  directing  that  some 
pieces  of  artillery  that  were  passing  be  placed  in  position  on  the  left 
bank.      Curiously,    neither   General    Sigel    (O.    R.    I.    XII.    ii.,   p.    270) 
nor  General  Schurz   (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  303),  who  both  mention  the 
guns  collected  by  General  Kane,  gives  the  names  of  the  officers  com 
manding  them. 

2  "This  brave  little  battalion  remained  until  everybody  had  passed, 
"when  they  destroyed  the  bridge  and  brought  up  the  rear."     General 
McDowell's  report.     (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  344.) 

3  Also  called  Ox  Hill. 


176  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[7  September  1862 

as  to  evoke  his  commendation;  losing  in  the  campaign  (August 
i6-September  2)  27  killed,  wounded  and  missing.1 

The  consciousness  that  the  army  had  been  driven  back  to 
wards  Washington,  was  not  sufficient  to  prevent  the  men  show 
ing  how  happy  they  were  in  the  knowledge  that  they  were  to 
be  together  in  the  future.  Colonel  Kane  on  the  7th  of  Septem 
ber  received  his  commission  as  Brigadier-General,  for  bravery 
at  Catlett's  Station  and  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run.  Though 
with  his  acceptance  of  this  commission  he  severed  his  con 
nection  with  the  Bucktails,  his  name  remains  indissolubly  asso 
ciated  with  them. 

The  regiment,  which  had  been  conceived  in  his  brain,  saw 
him  depart  from  it  to  a  larger  sphere  of  influence  confident 
that  his  future  record  would  justify  his  promotion.  Nor  was 
this  belief  to  be  disappointed.  His  brevet  as  Major-General, 
subsequent  to  his  retirement  from  the  army  November  7,  1863, 
was  for  "gallant  and  meritorious  services  at  Gettysburg."2 

1 0.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  256. 

*  For  particulars  as  to  Brigadier-General  Kane's  subsequent  career 
see  biographical  note  in  chapter  "Genesis  and  Organization." 


POPE'S    ARMY    OF    VIRGINIA. 

I. 

GROVETON. 


Companies  A,  B,  D,  E,  F  and  K,  under  Colonel  McNeil, 
here  referred  to  as  the  Bucktail  regiment,  to  differentiate  them 
from  Kane's  battalion,  consisting  of  Companies  C,  G,  H  and  I, 
which  had  been  detached  before  the  Peninsular  campaign,  em 
barked  on  the  steamer  "Kingston"  at  Harrison's  Landing, 
August  I4th,  for  Aquia  Creek.  From  thence  they  were  to 
move  to  the  support  of  General  Pope,  who  already  perceived 
that  the  Confederates,  taking  advantage  of  the  situation  created 
by  the  presence  of  a  large  body  of  Union  troops  inactive  on  the 
James  River,  would  move  in  force  attempting  the  destruction 
of  the  forces  retained  before  Washington.  The  "Kingston" 
reached  Aquia  Creek  on  the  morning  of  the  2Oth,  where  the 
Bucktails  were  immediately  disembarked  and  forwarded  by  rail 
to  Falmouth,  near  Fredericksburg. 

At  10  P.  M.,  on  August  2ist,  the  division  of  Pennsylvania 
Reserves  left  their  camp  at  that  point,  the  division  organization 
being  again  slightly  changed  to  the  following : 
i77  13 


178  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[21   August   1862 

Reynolds'  Division. 
(Temporarily  attached  to  Third  Corps,  Army  of  Virginia.) 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Geo.  G.  Meade.  Brig.-Gen.  Truman  Seymour. 

3rd  Penna.  Reserves.  1st    Penna.  Reserves. 

4th  Penna.  Reserves.  2nd  Penna.  Reserves. 

7th  Penna.  Reserves.  5th   Penna.  Reserves. 

8th  Penna.  Reserves.  6th    Penna.  Reserves. 

1 3th  Penna.  Reserves  (Bucktails). 

Third  Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen.  Conrad  F.  Jackson. 

Lieut-Col.  Robert  Anderson. 

9th  Penna.  Reserves. 

loth  Penna.  Reserves. 

nth  Penna.  Reserves. 

1 2th  Penna.  Reserves. 

Artillery. 

ist  Penna.  Light  Art.  Bat.  A. 
ist  Penna.  Light  Art.  Bat.  B. 
ist  Penna.  Light  Art.  Bat.  G. 
5th  U.  S.  Artillery  Bat.  C.1 

No  transportation  being  furnished,  nothing  was  taken  with 
the  division  excepting  ammunition,  and  as  many  hospital  tents 
and  medicines  as  could  be  packed  into  the  altogether  insufficient 
two  wagons  provided  for  the  purpose.  As  the  troops  moved 
forward  in  the  darkness,  a  heavy  rain-storm  broke  over  them 
adding  to  their  discomfort,  and  making  it  impossible  for  the 
officers  to  find  the  desired  roads.  At  two  o'clock  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  22nd,  therefore,  the  division  halted,  only  some  two 
miles  from  Falmouth,  to  rest  and  await  daylight.  At  5  o'clock 

1O.  R.  I.  XII.  Hi.,  p.  585.  General  Jackson,  commanding  the  3rd 
brigade,  ruptured  a  blood-vessel  on  August  29th,  Colonel  Anderson  suc 
ceeding.  The  brigade  organization  was  accomplished  by  General  Rey 
nolds  "Orders  70,"  dated  August  21,  1861.  (O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  752-753-) 


GROVETON  179 

1862  August  23! 

the  columns  were  again  in  motion,  headed  for  Kelley's  Ford, 
twenty-seven  miles  from  Falmouth.  Soaked  to  the  skin  during 
the  night,  the  troops  soon  experienced  a  tropical  heat,  the  ther 
mometer  registering  100°  and  the  dust  and  mud  lying  inches 
thick  on  the  roads. 

During  the  Seven  Days'  Retreat  the  various  regiments  had 
been  reduced  through  disease,  wounds  and  death  to  mere  skele 
tons.  Now,  strengthened  only  by  those  who  had  been  released 
from  Confederate  prisons,  where  amid  unhealthy  surroundings 
they  had  been  supplied  with  scanty  and  unwholesome  food,  and 
by  those  who  had  either  recovered  from  illnesses  or  wounds, 
they  were  called  upon  to  perform  the  tasks  generally  allotted  to 
men  in  the  prime  of  physical  condition.  Staggering  along  at  the 
utmost  speed  of  which  they  were  capable,  men  slipped  from  the 
ranks  to  drink  from  stagnant  pools,  not  even  waiting  to  remove 
the  scum  from  off  the  surface.  The  First  brigade,  under  Gen 
eral  Meade,  seemed  in  one  moment  to  reach  the  limits  of  its 
endurance.  A  murmur  ran  through  its  ranks  and  the  column 
halted,  ignoring  its  officers'  orders  to  advance.  General  Meade 
rode  back  in  person.  Considerate  as  ever,  he  realized  the  cali 
bre  of  the  men  with  whom  he  had  to  deal.  Briefly  he  told  them 
that  he  recognized  their  sufferings ;  but  explained  that  upon 
their  reaching  a  certain  point,  on  a  certain  day,  depended  the 
safety  of  a  portion  of  General  Pope's  army  and  the  lives  of  thou 
sands  of  soldiers.  Then  he  asked  them  what  they  wished  him 
to  do  ;  and  ringing  down  the  line  came  the  answer :  "Go  ahead." 
The  line  moved  forward,  nor  did  any  men  drop  out  again, 
unless  when  overcome  by  exhaustion  they  did  so  to  be  picked 
up  by  the  hospital  staff. 

Leaving  Kelley's  Ford  on  the  23rd,  the  division  moved  to 
Rappahannock  Station.  Finding  that  the  rear  of  General 
Pope's  army  was  leaving  that  place,  the  march  was  continued, 


180  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[23  August  i86a 

and  the  command  bivouacked  for  the  night  some  three  miles 
from  Warrenton.  Here  the  division  was  united  with  Pope's 
army,  being  attached  to  the  Third  corps  commanded  by  Gen 
eral  McDowell.1 

On  the  24th  the  division  was  marched  to  Warrenton,  and 
was  posted  on  the  heights  about  a  mile  south  of  the  town.  The 
next  day  General  Meade's  brigade,  to  which  the  Bucktails  were 
attached,  was  ordered  to  the  forks  of  the  Sulphur  Springs  and 
Warrenton  roads,  some  four  miles  from  Warrenton.2 

In  following  the  movements  of  Kane's  battalion  in  the 
previous  book,  it  was  stated  that  Pope's  army  repulsed  the 
Confederates  at  Cedar  Mountain  on  August  gih.  Jackson  hav 
ing  been  joined  by  Longstreet  crossed  the  Rapidan  on  the  2Oth, 
Pope  falling  back  behind  the  Rappahannock.  On  the  22nd, 
Jackson  crossed  part  of  his  force  over  the  Rappahannock.  $  Pope 
remained,  standing  guard  over  the  river,  but  begging  Wash 
ington  for  reinforcements.  On  the  night  of  the  22nd,  the  river 
became  so  swollen  by  the  heavy  rain  that  its  passage  by  the 
Confederates  seemed  impossible.  Pope,  therefore,  prepared  to 
mass  his  army  at  Rappahannock  Station  and  crush  the  portion 
that  had  crossed.  But  before  his  designs  could  be  executed, 
Jackson  had  succeeded  in  getting  his  imperilled  troops  back  to 
the  south  bank.  Then  leaving  Longstreet  opposite  Pope  to 
hold  his  attention,  Jackson  moved  up  the  south  side  of  the  river. 
On  the  25th  he  crossed  his  command  over  the  upper  Rappa- 


2nd  regiment,  which  had  been  detached  to  guard  transpor 
tation,  by  hard  hazardous  marching  succeeded  in  rejoining  the  division 
at  Warrenton  on  the  26th.  For  their  experiences  see  their  regimental 
history  "Our  Campaigns,"  by  Adjutant  E.  M.  Woodward. 

2  The  dates  of  marches,  and  places  of  encampments,  are  taken  from 
General  Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  397).  " 

8  Stuart's  cavalry  raid  on  Catlett's  Station  on  the  same  date,  was 
described  in  "Kane's  Battalion  :  Catlett's  Station  and  Second  Bull  Run." 


GROVETON  181 

1862  August  27] 

hannock1  at  Henson's  Mill,  moved  north,  and  by  a  forced  march 
of  thirty-five  miles  bivouacked  the  same  night  at  Salem.  On 
the  26th,  turning  east,  he  passed  through  the  Bull  Run  Moun 
tains,  by  Thoroughfare  Gap,  marched  through  Gainesville  and 
reached  Bristoe  Station  by  sunset.  He  destroyed  the  Station 
at  the  same  time  sending  Stuart  forward  to  Manassas. 

Pope,  apparently  aware  that  Jackson  was  operating  to 
wards  his  rear,  seems  to  have  been  rather  uncertain  as  to  what 
to  do.  Sometime  on  the  26th,  however,  he  plainly  realized  that 
Jackson  was  in  his  rear  and  had  cut  his  railroad  communi 
cations  with  Washington. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  on  this  date,  the  26th, 
Jackson  was  near  Manassas,  twenty  miles  east  of  Thoroughfare 
Gap.  Further,  Jackson's  force,  alone,  was  not  sufficient  to  cope 
with  Pope's ;  nor  could  he  be  reinforced  excepting  by  Long- 
street's  corps,  which,  moving  north,  must  pass  west  of  the  Bull 
Run  Mountains,  and  to  reach  him  debouch,  as  he  had  done, 
through  Thoroughfare  Gap.  To  prevent  these  hostile  forces 
from  uniting,  Pope  ordered  McDowell  to  advance  his  own 
corps,  Reynolds'  division  temporarily  attached  to  his  corps, 
and  Sigel's  corps,  from  the  vicinity  of  Warrenton  to  Gaines 
ville.  Accordingly,  the  Bucktails,  with  the  other  troops  oper 
ating  under  General  McDowell,  moved  forward  and  were  in 
the  position  assigned  them  at  Buckland  Mills,  near  Gainesville, 
by  the  night  of  the  27th,  the  time  fixed  by  General  Pope  for 
their  arrival.  Gainesville  is  five  miles  east  of  Thoroughfare 
Gap,  and  fifteen  miles  west  of  Manassas.  McDowell's  forces 
were  on  the  main  roads  between  the  two  places,  planted  squarely 
across  the  roads,  and  consisting,  as  they  did,  of  over  40,000 
men,  were  amply  able  to  prevent  any  reinforcements  reaching 

1  Called  at  this  point  the  Hedgeman  River. 


1 82  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  August  1862 

Jackson  by  way  of  Thoroughfare  Gap.     Is  it  any  wonder  that 
Pope  looked  upon  Jackson  as  his  certain  game  ?* 

Then,  however,  Pope  ordered  McDowell  to  move  his  entire 
force  at  daylight  on  the  28th  towards  Manassas,  where  Jack 
son  was  at  that  time.  If  Jackson  had  remained  still,  he  must 
have  been  crushed;  but  the  Confederate  General  had  no  inten 
tion  of  being  caught  like  a  rat  in  a  trap.  So  while  McDowell 
advanced  southeastwardly  towards  Manassas  Junction,  Jackson 
moved  northwestwardly  towards  Groveton,  thus  placing  him 
self  in  position  to  form  junction  with  Longstreet!  Moreover, 
General  Sigel's  corps  was  so  dilatory  in  getting  under  way  and 
clearing  the  Warrenton  road  for  the  Reserves  that  General 
Reynolds  complained  to  General  McDowell.  The  latter  Gen 
eral  seems  to  have  perceived  the  probable  result  of  the  order, 
and  upon  his  own  responsibility  detached  some  cavalry  and 
Rickett's  division  to  dispute  the  passage  of  the  Gap  with  Long- 
street. 

As  the  other  troops,  in  compliance  with  Pope's  orders, 
advanced  towards  Manassas,  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  were 
in  the  center  on  the  Warrenton  turnpike,  Sigel's  corps  on  the 
right  and  McDowell's  corps  on  the  left.  The  plan  of  operation 
required  that  the  corps  advance  en  echelon. 

While  Meade's  brigade  was  advancing  along  the  War 
renton  pike,  the  enemy  from  the  heights  near  Groveton  opened 
fire  upon  it.  Colonel  McNeil  moved  the  Bucktails  forward 
rapidly,  and  under  General  Meade's  orders  deployed  them  as 
skirmishers ;  Companies  B,  D,  and  K  in  the  open  field  in  front 
of  the  enemy's  battery  on  the  left,  and  A,  E  and  F  through  the 
woods  on  the  right  of  the  road.2 

1"If  you  will  march  promptly  and  rapidly  ...  we  will  bag  the 
"whole  crowd."  Pope  to  McDowell  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  335)- 

2  McNeil's  report  (O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  131).  During  this  campaign 
the  flag  presented  to  Company  K,  by  Mrs.  Irvin  was  used  as  the  regi 
mental  colors  and  continued  to  be  so  regarded  until  after  Fredericks- 
burg,  when  a  new  flag  was  presented  by  the  I49th. 


GROVETON  183 

1862  August  28] 

"The  brigade  was  immediately  formed  in  line  of  battle 
"on  each  side  of  the  road,  the  Fourth  regiment  on  the  right, 
"the  Third  and  Seventh  on  the  left,  and  the  Eighth  in  reserve. 
"Ransom's  battery  of  light  12-pounders  was  brought  to  the 
"front  and  put  in  action,  but  the  range  being  too  great,  was 
"withdrawn,  and  Cooper's  battery  of  lo-pounder  Parrotts 
"substituted  in  its  place.  Seeing  these  dispositions,  the  enemy 
"ceased  firing  and  apparently  withdrew.  The  brigade  was  then 
"formed  in  line  of  battle  under  direction  of  the  General  com- 
"manding  the  division,  with  Cooper's  battery  in  the  center, 
"supported  by  the  Third  and  Fourth  regiments  on  the  right, 
"the  Seventh  and  Eighth  on  the  left  and  the  First  Rifles  (Buck- 
"tails)  in  advance  as  skirmishers."1 

Companies  A,  E  and  F  of  the  Bucktails,  after  driving 
back  a  small  party  of  scouts  which  they  met  near  Groveton, 
moved  by  the  right  flank,  regaining  the  brigade  without  loss.2 
Captain  Irvin,  who  was  commanding  Companies  B,  D  and  K, 
having  received  orders  from  General  Reynolds  to  proceed  in 
the  direction  of  Sudley  Springs  and  ascertain  the  strength  of 
the  enemy  in  that  quarter,  moved  in  that  direction.  To  assist 
the  three  companies,  a  slight  force  of  cavalry  was  placed  under 
his  command  and  held  the  advance.  Careful  watch  was  kept 
to  guard  against  flank  attacks  being  made  on  the  small  force 
from  the  ravines  at  the  sides  of  the  road.  A  rebel  force  of 
cavalry,  some  two  and  a  half  miles  north  of  the  Warrenton 
road,  retired  upon  being  sighted,  and  upon  a  negro,  more  often 
referred  to  by  men  in  the  army  as  "a  contraband,"  informing 
Captain  Irvin  that  the  enemy  was  in  force  in  the  rear  of  their 
battery,  the  three  companies,  with  their  cavalry  escort,  moved 

'Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  397). 
'McNeil's  report  (O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  131). 


184  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[28  August  1862 

to  the  right  with  the  intention  of  obtaining  fuller  information.1 

General  McDowell,  supposing  the  attack  which  caused 
these  dispositions  to  have  been  delivered  by  a  rear  guard  or 
a  party  of  skirmishers,2  ordered  the  advance  on  Manassas  con 
tinued.  General  Reynolds,  therefore,  recalled  the  three  com 
panies  and  cavalry  under  Captain  Irvin.  They  rejoined  the 
regiment  about  3  o'clock,  Captain  Irvin  making  report  in  per 
son. 

Pope  meanwhile,  with  Hooker,  Kearney  and  Reno,  had 
arrived  at  Manassas  only  to  find  that  Jackson  had  evacuated 
it.  He  then  ordered  McDowell  to  divert  his  forces  towards 
Centreville.  This  order  was  obeyed,  King's  division  of  Sigel's 
corps  forming  McDowell's  right.  Inevitably,  therefore,  as 
Jackson  was  at  Groveton,  King's  column,  when  it  advanced, 
presented  its  flank  to  the  enemy.  Jackson  assailed  with  fury, 
but  met  with  obstinate  resistance.  To  make  matters  worse, 
King,  during  the  night,  retired  to  Manassas,  and  Ricketts, 
finding  that  he  was  unable  to  hold  his  position  at  the  Gap, 
on  account  of  flanking  movements,  fell  back  to  Gainesville  and 
from  thence  to  Manassas. 

Thus,  on  the  night  of  the  28th,  the  Warrenton  pike  was 
opened  for  Jackson  to  retreat  to  Longstreet,  or  for  Longstreet 
to  advance  to  Jackson. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th,  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves 
were  on  a  hill  by  the  Warrenton  road,  near  Groveton.  Gen 
eral  Sigel,  who  with  his  corps  had  moved  up  during  the  night, 
forming  on  Reynolds'  left,  had  received  orders  to  "attack 
"the  enemy  vigorously."8  At  daybreak  he,  therefore,  requested 
the  co-operation  and  support  of  General  Reynolds'  division, 


Mrvin's  report  (O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  132). 
'McDowell's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  336). 
8  Sigel's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  266). 


GROVETON  185 

1862  August  29] 

which   was   immediately   promised,    General    McDowell,    who 
arrived  at  daylight,  directing  this  co-operation.1 

Roughly  speaking,  Jackson's  line  was  formed  parallel  to 
an  unfinished  railroad,  which  runs  from  the  northeast  to  the 
southwest,  intersecting  the  Warrenton  road,  halfway  between 
Centreville  and  Gainesville,  at  an  acute  angle.  Jackson's  left, 
facing  east,  was  A.  B.  Hill,  and  his  extreme  right  Early;  the 
other  troops  being  variously  disposed  in  the  center  and  in 
reserve.2  The  Union  troops  faced  the  Confederate  line  from 
the  eastward  side  of  the  unfinished  railroad. 

Pope's  intention  was  to  engage  the  enemy  upon  the  imme 
diate  front,  while  at  the  same  time  he  sent  Porter  and  McDow 
ell,  then  near  Manassas,  westward  towards  Gainesville,  where 
"they  must  very  soon  be  in  a  position  to  fall  upon  the  enemy's 
"right  flank  and  probably  upon  his  rear."8 

Sigel  opened  his  attack  at  6.30;  his  entire  infantry  force, 
and  all  his  batteries,  becoming  promptly  engaged.*  His  left 
was  held  by  Schenck's  division,  and  on  Schenck's  left  was 
Reynolds'  division,  forming  the  extreme  Union  left.  The 
enemy's  position  being  visible,  the  Reserves  moved  forward. 
Meade's  brigade  was  ordered  towards  Gainesville.  It  crossed 
the  Warrenton  pike  half  a  mile  from  Groveton,  establishing 
Cooper's  battery  on  the  ridge,  with  the  Fourth,  Seventh  and 
Eighth  regiments  in  support.  The  Third  regiment  was  posted 
along  the  pike,  up  which  the  Bucktails  were  sent  as  skirmishers, 
Colonel  McNeil  having  been  ordered  to  throw  his  line  of  skir 
mishers  across  the  division  front.  Although  Schenck  and  Mil- 
Reynolds'  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  393). 

2  "The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
William  Allan,  p.  244-245. 

*  Pope's  report,  "Reports  to  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of 
"the  War."  Sup.  Part  II.,  p.  153. 

4Sigel's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  266). 


1 86  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[29  August  1862 

roy  on  the  right  were  actively  engaged,  the  Bucktails  discovered 
nothing  until  they  reached  the  point  of  the  previous  day's  battle. 
Then,  upon  reaching  Groveton,  Colonel  McNeil  was  ordered  to 
call  in  his  skirmishers,  move  along  the  road  westward  and  take 
a  position  to  protect  the  left  flank.  This  he  did,  but  in  doing  so 
lost  many  men  through  the  fire  of  a  battery  which  opened  upon 
him.  Keeping  on,  the  Bucktails  next  received  a  heavy  fire 
from  some  Confederate  sharpshooters  located  in  a  thicket  and 
house  upon  their  left.  Deploying  on  each  side  of  the  road,  by 
the  use  of  the  bayonet  they  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy 
back.  Captain  Irvin  and  some  men  of  Company  K  took  posses 
sion  of  the  house,  only  to  find  that  it  had  been  used  as  a  hospital 
on  the  day  previous,  by  King's  division,  and  that  the  enemy  was 
in  force  with  artillery  a  short  distance  away.  The  position  was 
untenable,  and  their  orders  were  to  rejoin  their  brigade,  so 
carrying  their  dead  and  wounded  with  them,  the  Bucktails 
rejoined  the  other  regiments  under  General  Meade.1 

For  four  hours  the  battle  raged  without  cessation.  Then 
the  Confederates  pressed  Sigel's  right  so  hard,  that  in  order  to 
save  it  he  withdrew  one  of  Schenck's  brigades  from  the  left. 
As  at  this  time,  10.30,  Schenck  and  Reynolds  had  advanced 
some  two  miles,  this  weakening  of  Schenck's  left  placed  Rey 
nolds'  right  in  a  precarious  condition.  With  great  care,  there 
fore,  Meade  withdrew  his  brigade  "to  the  other  side  of  the 
"Warrenton  pike,  where  a  position  was  taken  on  the  plateau 
"near  what  is  known  as  the  Lewis  House,  which  overlooks 
"Groveton,  and  the  pike  leading  to  it."2 

Other  troops,  especially  on  the  Union  right,  had  arrived  in 
position  and  been  heavily  engaged ;  but  nothing  was  known 
in  regard  to  the  flanking  movement  assigned  to  General  Porter. 


'McNeil's  report  (O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  131-132). 
2Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  398). 


GROVSTON  187 

1862  August  29] 

General  Pope  arrived  at  the  front  about  I  o'clock.  At  2  o'clock, 
firing  was  heard  on  the  left,  leading  Pope  to  believe  that  Porter 
and  McDowell  were  attacking  the  Confederate  right.  Still 
Pope  knew  nothing  for  certain  until  half  past  four,  when  he 
sent  a  peremptory  order  to  Porter  to  fall  on  the  enemy's  right. 
This  he  expected  Porter  could  do  by  half  past  five,  and  he  also 
expected  McDowell  to  be  in  action  shortly  after.  Porter  never 
made  the  flank  attack.  The  order  was  delayed  in  delivery ;  and 
further  Porter  knew,  which  Pope  did  not,  that  Longstreet  had 
already  joined  Jackson  and  that  through  this  juncture  Jack 
son's  flank,  as  far  as  he  was  concerned,  had  ceased  to  exist.1 

At  the  time  he  considered  that  Porter  would  commence 
action,  Pope  ordered  an  attack  by  his  other  troops,  Reynolds' 
division  being  directed  "to  threaten  the  enemy's  right  and  rear." 
The  Second  brigade  under  General  Seymour  and  the  Third 
brigade  under  General  Jackson  had  the  advance,  but  confronted 
by  overwhelming  numbers,  were  driven  back.  The  Bucktails, 
with  General  Meade's  First  brigade,  also  took  part  in  the  action, 
which  continued  until  dark.2 

1  General  Pope  bitterly  assailed  General  Porter,  and  through  a 
Court-martial  had  him  cashiered  from  the  army.  Time,  however,  has 
slowly  disclosed  the  real  facts  of  the  case.  Pope  believed  that  Jackson's 
right  was  the  Confederate  right,  and  that  Longstreet  was  still  far  dis 
tant.  Longstreet,  however,  afterwards  stated  that  he  had  joined  Jack 
son  by  noon.  Hence,  even  had  Pope's  order  to  Porter  been  promptly 
delivered,  Porter  could  not  have  carried  it  out.  Instead  of  being  on 
Jackson's  flank,  he  was  opposed  by  Longstreet's  entire  line  which 
joined  Jackson's.  General  Grant  championed  General  Porter's  cause. 
In  1878  a  Board  of  Inquiry  was  appointed,  to  meet  at  West  Point.  This 
Board  reported  "that  in  our  opinion  justice  requires  .  .  .  such  action 
"as  may  be  necessary  to  annul  and  set  aside  the  findings  and  sentence 
"of  the  court-martial."  President  Arthur,  under  date  of  May  4,  1882, 
cancelled  the  decision  of  the  Court-martial,  insofar  as  it  carried  dis 
qualification  from  holding  office  of  trust  or  profit  under  the  Government. 
The  report  of  the  Board  may  be  found  O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  513-534. 

-Reynold's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  394). 


1 88  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[29  August  1862 

Shortly  after,  the  brigade  was  withdrawn  to  the  position 
occupied  by  the  rest  of  the  troops;1  and  the  men,  having  been 
upon  short  rations  for  several  days,  eagerly  devoured  some 
crackers  drawn  by  them. 

'Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  398.) 


POPE'S    ARMY    OF    VIRGINIA. 
II. 

SECOND     BATTLE     OF     BULL     RUN. 


After  snatching  what  rest  was  possible,  the  troops,  early 
on  the  morning  of  the  3Oth,  prepared  to  resume  the  contest. 
The  general  alignment  of  the  opposing  forces  was  not  greatly 
altered,  excepting  that  the  lines  of  battle  extended  farther  south 
of  the  Warrenton  pike  than  on  the  previous  day ;  the  Union 
line  having  its  center  thrown  forward.  Jackson  still  formed  the 
Confederate  left,  while  Longstreet  on  the  right  had  extended 
his  troops  southward  till  they  touched  the  Manassas  Gap  Rail 
road.  General  Pope  seems  to  have  designed  to  assault  the 
Confederate  left ;  while  Lee,  purposed  to  attack,  and  if  possible 
envelop,  the  Union  left. 

Reynolds'  division  formed  the  extreme  Union  left,  and 
Meade's  brigade  was  ordered  to  move  forward  and  discover 
the  position  and  force  of  the  enemy.  General  Pope  believed  at 
that  time  that  the  Confederates  were  retreating  down  the  pike.1 

Immediately  the  Bucktails  advanced  as  skirmishers; 
Cooper's  battery  being  placed  in  the  center  with  the  other  regi 
ments,  on  each  side,  in  support.  Advancing  west,  the  brigade 
received  a  heavy  fire  from  the  rebel  batteries  posted  on  the 
ridge  back  of  Groveton.  The  Bucktails  engaged  the  Con- 

1  "Every  indication,   during  the  night  of  the  2Qth,   and   up  to   10 
"o'clock  on   the   morning  of  the  3Oth,   pointed   to   the  retreat  of  the 
"enemy  from  our  front."     (Pope's  report,  "Reports  to  the  Joint  Com- 
"mittee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War."    Sup.  Part  II.,  p.  155.) 
189 


190  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  August   1862 

federate  skirmishers  on  the  near  side  of  Groveton,  but  met  with 
such  resistance  that  they  were  compelled  to  give  ground. 
Seeing  this,  General  Meade  brought  Cooper's  battery  into  play, 
and  sent  the  Third  regiment  forward  to  assist  the  Bucktails. 
With  this  support  the  Bucktails  were  able  to  advance,  while  the 
brigade  was  established  on  the  ridge  immediately  overlooking 
Groveton.1 

While  this  action  was  going  on,  Porter  had  moved  his 
troops  between  the  opposing  lines,  formed  in  front  of  the  Union 
center,  and,  in  accordance  with  his  orders,  attacked  furiously 
though  unavailingly.  General  Reynolds,  who  had  noticed  how 
stubbornly  the  advance  of  his  own  skirmishers  had  been  con 
tested,  had  advanced  with  some  of  his  staff  through  some 
woods,  and  while  under  fire  discovered  that  instead  of  the 
enemy  being  prepared  to  retreat,  he  was  merely  masked  pre 
paratory  to  making  an  assault  in  force  on  the  Union  left,  after 
it  should  have  been  sufficiently  advanced.2 

Upon  reporting  the  true  condition  of  affairs  to  the  Com 
manding  General,  Reynolds  received  orders  to  dispose  his 
division  so  as  to  resist  the  threatened  attack.  The  resultant 
order  to  retreat  came  as  a  disappointment  to  the  Bucktails,  who, 
having  passed  through  the  town  and  across  a  small  flat,  had 
captured  a  piece  of  artillery.  Their  further  advance  had  been 
checked ;  but  by  dint  of  steady  work  with  their  breech-loading 
rifles,  they  had  mantained  their  position,  many  of  the  men  being 
protected  by  the  trees  of  a  neighboring  orchard.  It  being  im 
possible  to  drag  the  piece  with  them,  the  Bucktails  spiked  it  as 
effectually  as  they  could  with  an  old  bayonet. 

Hardly  had  the  various  regiments  regained  their  earlier 
position  in  accordance  with  orders  delivered  to  them,  than,  on 


'Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  398). 
'Reynold's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  394). 


SECOND  BATTLE  o?  Buu,  RUN  191 

1862  August  30] 

account  of  the  repulse  of  Porter's  attack,  and  his  retreat  in  some 
disorder,  the  division  was  ordered  to  march  across  the  field  and 
form  in  a  position  that  would  permit  the  rallying  of  Porter's 
troops  in  its  rear.  As  the  regiments  moved  to  the  right,  the 
attack  by  the  Confederates  on  the  Union  left  commenced.  The 
Third  brigade,  before  it  could  leave  its  place  was  assailed  and 
forced  to  form  into  line  of  battle.  The  First  and  Second  bri 
gades  moved  on ;  their  ranks  raked  by  shot  and  shell,  and  their 
course  diverted,  both  by  the  nature  of  the  ground  and  by  con 
tact  with  retreating  masses  of  troops.  Failing  to  get  into  proper 
position,  General  Reynolds  then  ordered  the  two  brigades  to 
retrace  their  steps.  The  Third  brigade  had,  in  the  meanwhile, 
fought  gallantly  to  maintain  its  position,  though  it  was  ulti 
mately  forced  back.1 

To  understand  the  service  now  rendered  by  the  Reserves, 
it  must  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  Union  and  Confederate 
forces  faced  each  other,  and  that  both  were  astride  of  the 
Warrenton  pike.  In  the  rear  of  the  Union  army,  and  running 
in  a  generally  parallel  direction  with  its  front,  was  Bull  Run, 
which  crosses  the  Warrenton  pike  at  right  angles.  A  road 
runs  from  Sudley  Springs,  some  two  miles  north  of  the  Warren 
ton  pike,  southward,  in  a  direction  generally  parallel  with 
Bull  Run,  crosses  the  Warrenton  pike,  a  little  over  a  mile  west 
of  Bull  Run,  and  then,  half  a  mile  further  on,  runs  over  a  hill 
known  as  the  Henry  House  Hill.  It  was  to  the  right  of  the 
house  upon  this  hill  that  Reynolds  now  directed  the  First  and 
Second  brigades.  He  perceived  that  if  the  Confederates  should 
take  this  hill,  or  so  envelop  it  as  to  force  its  evacuation,  they 
would  then  be  in  position  to  take  possession  of  the  Warrenton 
pike  itself.  Then,  as  the  main  bridge  over  Bull  Run,  generally 
called  the  Stone  Bridge,  was  where  the  pike  crossed  the  stream, 

'Reynolds'  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  395-396). 


192  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  August  1862 

they  would  hold  the  line  of  the  Union  retreat  and  be  in  position 
to  destroy  its  lines  of  communication. 

As  the  Confederates  massed  their  forces  to  attack  the  hill, 
the  regiments  of  the  First  and  Second  brigades  fell  into  posi 
tion.  A  little  in  front  of  the  Henry  House  Hill  was  a  rise 
known  as  Bald  Hill,  and  already  the  Confederates  possessed 
it.  All  over  the  field  the  Union  forces  were  being  driven  back 
ward.  The  Confederates,  victorious  in  repulsing  the  attack 
made  by  the  Union  right,  now  sought  to  press  home  the  thrust 
they  themselves  had  delivered  against  the  Union  left.  If  suc 
cessful  and  they  gained  the  pike,  what  would  be  the  fate  of 
the  troops  now  using  that  pike  to  gain  the  bridge  that  to  them 
meant  safety? 

Gathering  at  the  top  of  Bald  Hill,  the  Confederates  came 
charging  down  the  declivity  prepared  to  ascend  to  the  summit 
of  the  hill  that  opposed  them.  Reynolds,  ever  alert,  driving 
his  spurs  into  his  horse's  side,  shouted  his  order:  "Forward, 
"Reserves !"  In  a  moment  his  troops,  inoculated  with  his  enthu 
siasm,  swept  forward  and  downward.  The  two  lines  met. 
Outnumbered,  the  Reserves  fought  with  bulldog  tenacity,  by 
good  fortune  partially  protected  by  a  road  that  was  somewhat 
depressed.  Still,  the  First  and  Second  regiments  seemed  about 
to  give  way  beneath  the  tremendous  pressure,  when  General 
Reynolds,  "observing  that  the  flagstaff  of  the  Second  regiment 
"had  been  pierced  by  a  bullet  and  broken,  seized  the  flag  from 
"the  color-bearer,  and  dashing  to  the  right  rode  twice  up  and 
"down  his  entire  division  line,  waving  the  flag  about  his  head 
"and  cheering  on  his  men."1 

A  mark  for  the  rebel  sharpshooters,  he  seemed  to  bear  a 
charmed  life.  The  men,  roused  by  his  heroism,  redoubled  their 

1  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  by  J.   R.   Sypher, 
P-  347- 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN  193 

1862  September  a] 

efforts,  so  that  the  rebel  ranks  gave  way.  With  perpetual  firing 
the  barrels  of  their  rifles  became  hot.  Then,  as  the  darkness 
fell,  the  contest  ceased,  and  wearied  out,  the  division  was  re 
lieved  by  Buchanan's  brigade  of  regulars.  The  division,  fol 
lowing  Sykes'  division,  then  marched  towards  Centreville, 
bivouacking  for  the  night  at  Cub  Run.1 

On  the  3  ist  the  brigade  continued  its  march  to  Centreville, 
drew  some  rations  and  then  returned  to  Cub  Run.  The  enemy 
making  dispositions  with  the  apparent  intention  of  forcing  the 
stream,  General  Meade  deployed  his  regiments  on  each  side 
of  the  road,  ordering  Ransom's  battery  to  open  on  the  Con 
federates. 

The  troops  remained  under  arms  throughout  the  night,  but 
it  becoming  obvious  the  next  morning,  September  ist,  that  the 
enemy  had  withdrawn,  the  command  was  marched  to  Centre 
ville  and  from  thence  to  Fairfax  Court  House,  where  it 
bivouacked  for  the  night.  On  the  2nd,  it  was  marched  to  the 
woods  adjoining  Arlington  House,  where  it  went  into  camp,1 
and  where  the  companies  in  Kane's  battalion  joined  them  and 
were  reunited. 

1  It  is  perhaps  desirable,  more  especially  because  of  the  modest  tone 
of  the  reports  of  both  General  Reynolds  and  General  Meade,  to  quote 
the  following  from  the  report  of  General  McDowell  to  General  Pope: 
"It  was  a  question  with  me  whether  we  could  hold  the  Henry  House 
"Hill.  .  .  It  was  a  question  of  importance,  on  which  I  should  have 
"liked  to  consult  you.  .  .  .  But  while  General  Milroy  gave  me  nothing 
"whatever  on  which  I  could  be  justified  in  acting  ...  I  received  a  clear 
"message  from  that  intelligent  as  well  as  gallant  officer  Brigadier-Gen- 
"eral  Meade,  through  one  of  his  aides-de-camp,  to  the  effect  that  if  he 
"could  have  some  reinforcements  sent  to  him  in  the  woods  on  the 
"Henry  House  Hill  he  could  not  only  hold  them,  but  drive  out  the 
"enemy,  who  were  not  then  there  in  great  force.  Relieved  from  all 
"doubt  by  this  message,  I  exclaimed,  '  Meade  shall  have  re-enforce- 
"  'ments/  and  immediately  gave  General  Porter  orders  to  send  them 
"forward."  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  342-343.) 

2Meade's  report  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  399). 


194  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  September  1862 

In  reporting  the  actions  of  his  division  throughout  the 
campaign,  General  Reynolds  mentions  the  gallant  conduct  of 
the  brigades  upon  the  Henry  House  Hill.1  General  Meade  in 
his  report  says:  "It  was  the  good  fortune  of  the  Reserves  to 
"be  brought  into  action  at  this  moment,  and  by  their  gallant 
"bearing  and  firm  advance  to  compel  the  enemy  to  retire  to 
"the  shelter  of  the  woods."  .  .  .  "It  is  due  to  the  Pennsylvania 
"Reserves  to  say  that  this  charge  and  the  maintenance  of  this 
"position  were  made  at  a  most  critical  period  of  the  dayv" 
Praising  universally  the  conduct  of  his  command  he  continues : 
"At  the  same  time,  the  nature  of  the  service  required  of  them, 
"viz,  picket  duty  and  skirmishing,  have  placed  more  promi- 
"nently  before  me  the  First  Rifles  (Bucktails),  whose  coolness 
"and  steadiness  under  fire,  when  led  by  their  commander,  Col 
"Hugh  W.  McNeil,  attracted  my  attention,  and  deserve,  in  mv 
"judgment,  particular  notice."8 

The  official  casualty  report,  for  the  operations  August  16- 
September  2,  1862,  show  the  loss  in  the  six  companies  of  the 
Bucktail  regiment  to  have  been : — 

Killed.        Wounded.        Missing.  Total. 

5  19  3  27s 

Though  the  repulse  of  the  Confederates  at  Chantilly,*  on 
the  ist,  proved  that  the  Union  forces,  although  driven  back- 

1 0.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  395. 

2  O.  R.  I.  XII.  ii.,  p.  396-399. 

8  O.  R.  I.  XII.,  ii.,  p.  256. 

4  The  Bucktail  regiment  did  not  take  active  part  in  this  action, 
though  one  of  their  men  was  wounded  by  being  struck  with  the  limber 
of  a  cannon.  Lee  with  designs  upon  the  Union  lines  of  retreat,  sent 
Jackson  around  Pope's  right  to  strike  the  Little  River  turnpike.  Only  a 
portion  of  the  armies  became  engaged  and  the  losses  were  not  large, 
though  the  death  of  General  Kearney,  will  forever  lend  prominence  to 
the  battle.  As  previously  stated,  Kane's  battalion  was  also  under  fire 
for  a  portion  of  the  time  that  the  action  lasted. 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN  195 

1862   September  2] 

ward,  were  able  to  maintain  their  present  position  and  thus 
insure  the  safety  of  Washington,  they  needed  rest. 

The  men  had  marched  and  countermarched,  fought  and 
skirmished,  unceasingly  for  ten  days.  Their  rations  had  been 
insufficient ;  their  sleep  broken  and  scanty.  The  cavalrymen 
reported  that  the  saddles  had  not  been  removed  from  the  backs 
of  their  horses  since  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  and  the 
condition  of  the  animals  assigned  to  the  artillery  and  wagons 
was  no  better.  The  army  might  justly  be  described  as  thor 
oughly  used  up. 

General  Pope  was  relieved  from  command  of  the  troops 
about  Washington  and  ordered  to  the  command  of  the  North 
west.  The  Army  of  Virginia  was  united  to  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  and  once  more  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  came 
under  the  command  of  General  McClellan. 


THE    MARYLAND    CAMPAIGN. 

I. 

SOUTH     MOUNTAIN. 


Lying  in  camp  near  Arlington,  the  Bucktails,  with  the 
other  regiments  constituting  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  appre 
ciated  deeply  the  rest  vouchsafed  to  them.  The  men  who  had 
taken  part  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  campaign  exchanged  ex 
periences  with  those  who  had  lived  through  the  terrible  expe 
riences  of  the  Seven  Days'  Retreat,  and  this  relation  of  occur 
rences,  combined  with  the  execution  of  camp  duties,  completely 
filled  the  all  too  short  September  days. 

In  the  meantime,  General  McClellan  labored  to  restore 
order  and  effectiveness  to  the  troops  under  his  command.1  The 
army  was  reorganized,  corps  reconstituted,  and  discipline  more 
firmly  established.  Though  much  of  this  work  was  done  while 
marching  to  meet  the  enemy,  between  the  7th  and  I3th,  much 
was  accomplished  while  still  in  the  vicinity  of  Washington. 
The  camp  was  but  a  short  distance  from  the  capital,  yet  per 
missions  to  visit  the  city  were  almost  without  exception  refused. 

1  McClellan  seems  to  have  known  that  the  Army  of  Virginia  and 
Army  of  the  Potomac  would  be  merged  into  one,  prior  to  the  actual 
accomplishment  of  the  union.  General  Pope's  ideas,  do  not  seem  to 
have  been  so  clear,  as  on  September  4,  1862,  we  find  him  suggesting 
corps  compositions  to  General  Halleck  (O.  R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  810),  and  on 
September  5th,  asking  "  What  is  my  command  and  where  is  it?"  (O.  R. 
I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  812.)  On  the  latter  date  Pope  received  the  following  from 
General  Halleck :  "  The  Armies  of  the  Potomac  and  Virginia  being 
"consolidated  you  will  report  for  orders  to  the  Secretary  of  War."  (O. 
R.  I.  XII.  iii.,  p.  813.) 
197 


198  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[3  September   1862 

The  elite  of  Washington,  in  handsome  equipages,  came  driving 
about  the  camps  in  the  cool  afternoons,  returning  to  spend 
their  evenings  amidst  various  divertisements ;  but  the  soldiers, 
only  partially  recovered  from  their  arduous  services,  remained 
in  camp,  being  whipped  into  shape  for  another  campaign  by 
their  officers,  who  were  glad  to  be  again  under  the  orders  of 
"Little  Mac."1 

As  by  the  3rd  or  4th  it  was  apparent  that  Lee  had  with 
drawn  his  forces  from  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Washington, 
it  became  of  vital  importance  to  ascertain  his  future  intentions. 
Gradually  his  plans  became  plain.  He  intended  to  invade 
Maryland  and  perhaps  Pennsylvania.  His  object  was  two 
fold.  First,  by  crossing  the  Potomac  into  Maryland  and  ad 
vancing  along  its  northern  side,  he  would  be  threatening  both 
Washington  and  Baltimore  in  his  rear ;  he  would  be  approach 
ing  the  Cumberland  Valley,  which  gives  access  to  Pennsyl 
vania;  and  he  would  also  be  able  to  re-establish  communica 
tions  with  Richmond  via  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  Second,  the 
Southerners  believed  that  Maryland  was,  so  to  speak,  groaning 
under  the  Northern  yoke ;  and  that  nothing  but  lack  of  oppor 
tunity  prevented  thousands  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  State 
from  enlisting  under  the  banners  of  the  Confederacy.  This 
opportunity  the  invasion  would  afford. 

Lee  moved  his  troops  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  river 
towards  Leesburg,  some  thirty  miles  northwest  from  Washing 
ton.  Arriving  at  this  place,  he  then  crossed  his  army  over  the 
Potomac  and  advanced  on  Frederick  City  almost  due  north. 
The  passage  of  the  river  was  made  between  the  4th  and  7th, 
and  on  the  8th  the  Confederate  General  issued  a  proclamation 
"To  the  People  of  Maryland"  inviting  them  to  assist  his  army 

1  See  "Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,"  by  Brigadier-General   F.  W. 
Palfrey,  p.  8-9. 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  199 

1862  September  8] 

in  regaining  for  them  the  rights  of  which  they  had  been 
despoiled.1 

With  Lee's  invasion  of  soil  regarded  as  Northern,  his  de 
signs  had  become  obvious  to  McClellan,  who  put  his  army  in 
motion.  The  Union  forces  advanced,  leisurely,  towards  Fred 
erick  by  five  parallel  roads ;  the  columns  being  so  disposed  as 
to  cover  both  Washington  and  Baltimore.2  The  general  direc 
tion  of  the  Potomac  River  from  about  two  miles  south  of  the 
southern  boundary  of  Pennsylvania  (some  twenty-five  miles 
west  of  Chambersburg)  to  Washington  is  from  the  northwest 
to  the  southeast.  Fifty  miles  northwest  of  Washington  the 
Potomac  is  increased  by  the  waters  of  the  Shenandoah  River, 
which,  flowing  north,  empty  into  it  at  a  place  called  Harper/s 
Ferry.  Harper's  Ferry  itself  is  situated  in  the  crotch  of  the 
two  rivers,  being  west  of  the  Shenandoah  and  south  of  the 
Potomac.  The  Blue  Ridge,  which  forms  the  eastern  boun 
dary  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  running  north  close  to  the 
eastern  bank  of  the  Shenandoah,  continues  to  the  southern  bank 
of  the  Potomac,  where  it  is  known  as  Loudon  Heights.  A 
continuation  of  the  ridge,  commencing  at  the  north  side  of  the 
river,  is  known  as  the  South  Mountain.  A  short  distance  to 
the  west  of  the  South  Mountain,  commencing  at  the  north 
bank  of  the  Potomac,  is  a  ridge  named  Maryland  Heights. 

Harper's  Ferry  was  held  by  a  small  Union  force*  under 
General  Miles,  and  Lee  expected  that  upon  his  arrival  at  Fred 
erick  it  would  be  evacuated.  In  fact,  to  insure  the  safety  of 
the  Confederate  army,  if  it  was  not  evacuated  it  would  have 
to  be  reduced.  This  necessity  becomes  apparent  should  we, 

1  For  text  of  proclamation  see  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  ii.,  p.  601-602. 

2  "Campaigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,"  by  William  Swinton, 
p.  197. 

8  Between  10,000  and  12,000,  including  the  force  at  Martinsburg  to 
the  northwest. 


200  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

f9  September  186* 

ignoring  minor  facts,  consider  the  Cumberland  Valley  merely 
as  a  natural  continuation  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  the  line 
of  division  being  the  Potomac  River.  For,  if  Harper's  Ferry 
in  the  Shenandoah  Valley  was  held  by  the  Union  troops,  while 
Lee  proceeded  north  into  the  Cumberland  Valley,  they  would 
be  in  his  rear,  able  both  to  cut  his  communications  and  also 
to  assume  the  offensive  when  strengthened.  Lee,  finding  by 
the  9th  that  the  Union  troops  did  not  intend  to  abandon  their 
position,1  issued  an  order  on  that  date8  separating  his  command 
in  order  to  compass  its  fall.  Jackson  was  to  march  to  Martins- 
burg  to  capture  the  small  Union  force  stationed  at  that  point, 
or  to  drive  it  south  to  the  Ferry ;  McLaws  was  to  take  posses 
sion  of  the  Maryland  Heights;  and  Walker  was  to  seize  the 
Loudon  Heights.  The  various  movements  were  to  be  executed 
by  the  I2th,  then  the  reduction  of  the  garrison  was  to  follow, 
after  which  the  commands  were  to  rejoin  the  main  body.  Hill 
was  to  remain  at  the  western  side  of  South  Mountain,  and  a 
cavalry  force  under  Stuart  at  the  eastern  side,  to  observe  and 
retard  the  Union  advance. 

The  rate  of  advance  of  the  Union  army  in  the  meantime 
had  been  noted,  and  Lee  was  confident  that  his  army  would 
have  ample  time  to  execute  his  orders  before  McClellan  would 
be  in  a  position  to  succor  the  endangered  garrison. 

McClellan,  on  his  part,  was  unwilling  to  advance  rapidly 
until  he  received  more  definite  information  as  to  his  opponent's 
designs.  The  Bucktails,  late  on  the  6th,  had  marched  into 
Washington  over  the  Long  Bridge,  some  of  the  men  there 

xThe  retention  of  Harper's  Ferry  as  a  Union  post  has  generally 
been  considered  as  unsound.     It  was  certainly  opposed  by  McClellan. 
2  Special  Orders  No.  191.    O.  R.  I.  XIX.  ii.,  p.  603-604. 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  201 

1862  September  u] 

receiving  much  needed  clothing.1  On  the  7th  they  arrived  at 
Leesboro;  on  the  Qth  they  moved  forward  to  Brookville;  on 
the  loth  they  advanced  four  miles  further;  and  on  the  nth 
they  reached  Lisbon  on  the  Frederick  pike.  While  at  this 
place  General  Reynolds  left  the  division.  Governor  Curtin, 
alive  to  the  peril  of  the  impending  invasion  of  his  State,  issued 
a  proclamation  by  authority  of  the  President,  calling  into  imme 
diate  service  50,000  of  the  militia  of  the  State,  and  General 
Reynolds  on  the  I2th,  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  pro 
ceeded  to  Harrisburg  to  organize  and  command  these  forces. 
A  reorganization  of  the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves 
became  necessary,  and  was  accomplished  as  follows : 

Third  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 
Brig.-Gen.  George  G.  Meade. 
Brig.-Gen.  Truman  Seymour. 
First  Brigade  Second  Brigade 

Bri.-Gen.  Truman  Seymour        Col.  Albert  L.  Magilton 

Col.  R.  Biddle  Roberts 

ist    Penna.  Reserves  3rd  Penna.  Reserves 

2nd  Penna.  Reserves  4th  Penna  Reserves 

5th    Penna.  Reserves  7th  Penna.  Reserves 

6th    Penna.  Reserves  8th  Penna.  Reserves 

1 3th    Penna.  Reserves 
(Bucktails) 

Third  Brigade 
Col.  Thomas  F.  Gallagher 
Lieut.-Col.  Robert  Anderson 
9th  Penna.  Reserves 
loth  Penna.  Reserves 
nth  Penna.  Reserves 
1 2th  Penna.  Reserves 

xThe  four  companies  that  had  been  with  Kane  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley  received  Sharps  rifles,  while  in  the  vicinity  of  Washington.  The 
other  six  companies  had  received  them  while  at  Harrison's  Landing. 


2O2  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[13   September   1862 

Artillery 

ist    Penna.  Light  Battery  A. 

ist   Penna.  Light  Battery  B. 

ist   Penna.  Light  Battery  G. 

5th  United  States  Battery  C.1 

The  First  army  corps  was  commanded  by  General  Hooker 
and  with  the  Ninth  army  corps,  commanded  by  General  Reno, 
formed  the  right  wing  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  General 
Burnside  having  command  of  the  two  corps. 

On  the  1 3th  the  Bucktails  were  again  in  motion.  They 
crossed  the  Monocacy,  three  miles  below  Frederick,  bivouack 
ing  for  the  night  near  that  stream.  On  the  same  evening,2 
General  McClellan  was  favored  by  fortune.  A  copy  of  Gen 
eral  Lee's  order  of  the  Qth,  making  the  dispositions  above 
summarized  for  the  reduction  of  Harper's  Ferry,  fell  into  his 
hands.  The  Union  army  was  not  more  than  twenty  miles' 
from  the  passes  of  the  South  Mountain,  beyond  which  the 
enemy  was  separated,  while  Franklin's  corps  was  not  more  than 
twelve  miles  from  Crampton's  Gap.  McClellan,  in  an  order 
dated  6.20  p.  M.,  ordered  Franklin  to  move  next  morning.4 
Burnside's  command  was  to  move  "this  evening  and  early 
"to-morrow  morning."  Warned,  however,  by  Stuart  of  McClel- 
lan's  approach,  Lee  commenced  early  on  the  I4th  to  strengthen 

Organization  September  14-17,  1862.  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  171-172. 
General  Meade  succeeded  General  Hooker  who  was  wounded  on  the 
1 7th,  General  Seymour  then  assumed  command  of  the  division;  Colonel 
Roberts,  of  the  ist  regiment,  succeeding  him  in  command  of  the  ist  bri 
gade.  Colonel  Gallagher  was  wounded  on  the  I4th,  and  Colonel  Ander 
son  of  the  pth  regiment,  succeeded  him  in  command  of  the  3rd  brigade. 

2  The  exact  time  is  not  known.  Apparently  it  must  have  been  be 
fore  6.20. 

'"Twenty  miles  is  a  liberal  estimate  of  the  distance  which  each 
"column  had  to  march,"  "Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,"  by  Brigadier- 
General  F.  W.  Palfrey,  p.  22-23. 

4  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  45- 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  203 

1862  September  14] 

the  defences  of  the  mountain  passes  through  which  the  Fed 
erals  must  force  their  way,  their  right  headed  for  Crampton's 
Gap,  and  their  left  for  Turner's  Gap. 

The  Bucktails  left  camp  on  the  morning  of  the  I4th. 
Seven  miles  from  Frederick  the  regiment  passed  Middletown, 
and  in  a  nearby  field  made  coffee  and  ate  dinner.  The  South 
Mountain  is  plainly  visible  from  this  point,  rising  some  one 
thousand  feet  in  the  air,  its  base  protected  by  a  series  of  ridges. 
Six  miles  north  of  Crampton's  Gap,  which  Franklin  carried  in 
the  afternoon  after  a  rather  small  though  spirited  action,  is 
Turner's  Gap,  the  pass  through  which  Burnside  was  to  drive 
his  force.  The  pike  from  Middletown  to  Hagerstown  runs 
through  the  Gap,  which  is  formed  by  a  depression  of  about 
four  hundred  feet.  The  mountain  on  the  north  side  of  the  pike 
is  divided  into  two  crests  by  a  narrow  valley,  which  runs  at 
right  angles  to  the  road,  the  crest  of  the  mountain  thus  being 
formed  of  two  ridges.  The  Gap  itself  is  unassailable ;  but  by 
roads  running  parallel  to  and  into  the  main  road  its  evacuation 
can  be  forced. 

General  Burnside  had  under  his  command  the  Ninth  corps 
under  General  Reno,  and  the  First  corps  under  General 
Hooker.  At  6  A.  M.,  the  advance  of  the  Ninth  corps  moved 
to  assault  the  left,  or  south  side,  of  the  pass.  By  brisk  fighting 
they  reached  the  crest  at  9  A.  M.,  and  succeeded  in  establish 
ing  their  position  despite  the  efforts  of  the  Confederates.  To 
open  the  Gap,  it  now  became  necessary  to  take  the  right,  or 
north  side,  of  the  turnpike.  Reno's  men  were  to  move  north 
from  the  ground  they  had  won  in  the  morning,  and  Hooker's 
corps  were  to  advance  in  a  sort  of  semi-circular  movement  and 
close  in  on  the  pike  at  the  summit.  To  do  this  the  Pennsyl 
vania  Reserves,  forming  the  extreme  right  of  Hooker's  corps, 
would  have  to  be  thrown  forward  till  Seymour's  brigade 


204  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[14  September   1862 

reached  the  second  ridge.  Then  while  Seymour  swept  down 
the  second  ridge,  Magilton's  and  Gallagher's  brigades  would 
advance  down  the  ravine. 

The  Bucktails  in  accordance  with  their  usual  practice 
moved  forward,  with  about  275  men  and  13  officers  in  line/ 
acting  as  skirmishers  for  the  entire  division.  Between  3  and 
4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  columns  were  well  under  way, 
and  the  Bucktails  sighted  by  the  Confederate  batteries,  placed 
high  up  on  the  mountain,  received  a  storm  of  shell.  Sharp 
shooters,  protected  by  rocks  and  trees,  also  opened  upon  them 
and  drove  them  to  cover.  All  up  the  mountain  side  rocks  and 
boulders  abound,  and  here  and  there,  stone  walls.  When  to 
these  features  are  added  heavily  wooded  portions  and  frequent 
depressions  in  the  ground  itself,  some  idea  may  be  gathered  of 
the  difficulty  of  the  task  laid  upon  the  division.  By  both  armies 
guns  were  planted  wherever  it  was  possible  to  bring  them  into 
play. 

Quickly  taking  shelter  behind  trees  and  rocks,  the  Buck- 
tails  brought  into  play  their  accuracy  of  marksmanship. 
Having  in  their  hands  Sharps  rifles,  they  were  enabled  to 
pick  off  many  a  Confederate,  who,  attempting  to  reload  his 
inferior  weapon,  was  compelled  to  partially  expose  his  person. 
Then  with  a  cheer,  leaving  cover  for  a  moment,  the  regiment 
rushed  forward,  and  charging  drove  the  enemy  from  his  first 
line  of  defense  back  to  his  second  and  stronger  position,  the 
rest  of  the  division  moving  up  at  the  same  time.  General 
Seymour,  confident  that  his  men  could  take  the  first  crest,  and 
then  by  advancing  through  the  valley  seize  the  second,  gave 
the  order  to  advance.  Moving  to  the  place  where  the  fire  was 
hottest  he  found  Colonel  McNeil,  and  together  the  two  officers 
encouraged  the  men.  The  task  was  enough  to  cause  the  boldest 

1  McGee's  report,  O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  155. 


OF 
NIVER3ITY 


.  EDWARD  A.  IRVIN 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  205 

1862   September  14] 

to  hesitate.  The  troops  were  expected  to  charge  uphill,  and 
drive  from  an  eminently  strong  defensive  position  an  equal 
number  of  opponents.1  With  the  Bucktails  deployed  in  single 
line  at  intervals  of  from  two  to  twenty  feet  the  ascent  was 
commenced.  At  the  rear  of  Company  K,  the  Eleventh  regi 
ment  fell  into  position.  Not  more  than  a  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  separated  the  combatants.  A  well-aimed  bullet  struck 
the  color  bearer  of  the  Eleventh,  and  immediately  a  Color- Cor 
poral  dashed  forward  to  raise  it  aloft.  Realizing  the  peculiar 
conditions  of  the  battle,  and  unwilling  to  see  lives  uselessly 
sacrificed,  Lieutenant  Welch,  of  Company  K,  of  the  Bucktails, 
ordered  him  to  desist. 

At  this  time,  the  condition  of  the  men  was  perilous.  The 
Confederates  were  sheltered  more  adequately  than  the  Buck- 
tails,  and  were  doing  terrible  execution.  Captain  Irvin  sprang 
to  the  front,  crying,  "Forward  Bucktails,  drive  them  from  their 
''position. "  With  a  cheer  the  men  rushed  forward,  closely 
followed  by  the  Eleventh,  but  before  he  could  turn  Irvin  fell, 
wounded  in  the  head.  Infuriated  by  his  loss  the  men  charged 
boldly.  The  first  ridge  was  gained  and  forcing  the  enemy 
back,  step  by  step,  before  dark  Seymour's  brigade  rested  in 

1  Many  greatly  exaggerated  statements  have  been  made  by  both 
sides  as  to  the  relative  strength  of  the  contending  forces.  Brigadier- 
General  Palfrey,  after  a  careful  study  of  the  case,  credits  the  Con 
federates  with  having  15  brigades,  and  the  Federals  with  having  18 
brigades,  in  action ;  though  of  the  18  Federal  brigades,  3  were  hardly 
engaged  at  all.  Though  he  admits  that  the  Federal  forces  probably  out 
numbered  the  Confederates,  he  says,  "  There  is  no  reason  for  sup 
posing  that  these  Federal  brigades  went  into  action  very  much  stronger 
"than  their  opponents."  (Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,  p.  38,  etc.) 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Allan,  however,  maintains  that  the  Confederates  had 
only  13,000  to  14,000  men,  while  McClellan  had  30,000.  ("Army  of 
"Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  p.  360.)  The  truth  is  probably  between 
the  two,  but  had  the  odds  been  three  to  one  instead  of  three  to  two,  it 
would  have  been  no  mean  achievement  to  have  dislodged  a  force  from 
such  a  strong  position. 


2o6  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAI^S 

[14  September  1862 

possession  of  the  second.  Magilton's  and  Gallagher's1  brigades 
had  performed  the  work  assigned  to  them,  Reno2  had  moved 
north  as  ordered,  while  Gibbon  had  pushed  his  demonstration 
up  the  main  road  well  towards  the  summit. 

If  the  contest  was  resumed  in  the  morning  it  could  have 
but  one  result.  The  way  for  the  army  to  interpose  between 
the  fragments  of  the  Confederate  forces  was  open,  nor  as  yet 
had  Harper's  Ferry  been  surrendered.  The  price  paid  by  the 
Union  General  for  Turner's  Gap  was  1,813  men,  of  which  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserves  lost  392.  The  Bucktail  loss  was  as  fol 
lows: 

Killed.     Wounded.     Missing.      Total. 

Officers I  2  ..  3 

Men   10  37  . .  47 

ii  39  5o3 

Lieutenant  Bitterling,  Company  F,  was  killed  and  Cap 
tain  Irvin,  Company  K,  and  Lieutenant  Mack,  Company  E, 
were  wounded. 

General  Meade  in  his  official  report,  after  extending  praise 
to  General  Seymour  arid  his  brigade  for  the  successful  accom 
plishment  of  the  great  object  of  the  movement,  viz. :  the  out 
flanking  of  the  enemy,  says :  "To  Colonel  McNeil,  of  the  First 
"Pennsylvania  Rifles,  who  with  his  regiment  has  always  been 
"in  the  advance,  I  am  indebted  for  ascertaining  the  exact  posi 
tion  of  the  enemy."  * 

1  Colonel  Gallagher  was  severely  wounded  and  compelled  to  leave 
the  field. 

2  General  Reno  paid  for  his  victory  with  his  life. 

3O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  185.  The  Confederate  loss  was  for  the  most 
part  lumped  with  other  engagements.  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  Allan 
in  "The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862"  estimates  it  at  from  1000 
to  1500  (p.  359).  McClellan  claimed  1500  prisoners. 

*O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  268. 


SOUTH  MOUNTAIN  207 

1862  September  14] 

Captain  McGee,  who,  owing  to  Colonel  McNeil's  death  at 
Antietam,  made  the  official  report  of  this  battle,  says :  "Among 
"those  who  particularly  distinguished  themselves  for  gallantry 
"on  this  occasion  I  have  to  mention  the  following:  Captain 
"Edward  A.  Irvin  (severely  wounded),  Captain  A.  E.  Niles, 
"Adjt.  William  R.  Hartshorne,  Lieuts.  James  M.  Welch,  Lucius 
"Truman,  S.  A.  Mack,  Jr.  (wounded),  N.  B.  Kinsey,  David 
"G.  McNaughton,  and  Sergt.-Maj.  Roger  Sherman."1 

No  attempt  was  made  during  the  evening  to  descend  the 
mountain  on  its  western  side,  and  the  battle  of  South  Mountain 
closed2  with  the  oncoming  of  night.  The  day's  heavy  fighting, 
made  still  more  hard  by  the  difficult  climb,  had  rendered  the 
men  thoroughly  exhausted.  The  Bucktails,  now  reduced  to 
but  slightly  over  two  hundred  men,  with  the  adaptability  of 
seasoned  campaigners,  turned  in  promptly.  If  the  pass  was  in 
their  possession,  the  objective  of  the  campaign  was  still  to  be 
secured,  for  Lee  with  his  troops,  scattered  though  they  were, 
lay  in  the  plains  below  them.  McClellan  was  certain  to  order 
an  advance  by  the  next  morning  at  the  latest. 

1 0.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  156. 

2  To  quote  Brigadier-General  Palfrey  again :  "So  much  of  the 
"battle  of  South  Mountain  as  was  fought  at  Turner's  Gap  hardly  admits 
"of  precise  description.  It  lasted  a  long  time,  from  about  seven  in  the 
"morning  till  well  into  the  evening,  and  a  good  many  troops  were  used 
"first  and  last,  but  the  ground  was  so  peculiar  and  so  little  known  to 
"our  commanders,  that  much  precious  time  and  many  gallant  efforts 
"were  almost  wasted,  and  it  was  not  till  the  day  was  near  its  end  that 
"the  Federal  advance  was  conducted  with  ensemble.  There  was  plenty 
"of  hard  fighting,  but  much  of  it  was  sharp  skirmishing,  and  the  whole 
"affair,  till  near  the  end,  was  rather  many  little  battles  than  one  con- 
"nected  battle."  ("Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,"  p.  33.) 


THE    MARYLAND    CAMPAIGN. 

II. 

ANTIETAM. 


A  dense  fog  obstructed  the  view  on  the  morning  of  the 
15th,1  and  Lee,  who,  during  the  night  had  recognized  the  futil 
ity  of  contesting  further  the  passage  of  the  Gap,  took  advan 
tage  of  it  to  slip  away  unmolested. 

Already  he  was  establishing  his  army  at  Sharpsburg,  seven 
miles  northwest  from  the  summit  of  the  Gap,  and  making 
preparations  to  consolidate  his  forces  at  that  place. 

Harper's  Ferry,2  as  has  been  seen,  is  on  the  south  bank  of 
the  Potomac.  Some  ten  miles  above  it  on  the  north  side, 
though  advanced  eastward  a  mile  and  a  half,  is  the  small  town 
of  Sharpsburg.  The  Potomac,  at  this  point,  winds  so  in  its 
course  that  a  straight  line  five  miles  in  length  drawn  through 
the  western  end  of  the  town  would  touch  the  river  with  both 
its  ends.  In  front  of  Sharpsburg  flows  the  Antietam,  which 
enters  the  Potomac  at  the  southern  end  of  our  imaginary  line. 
Not  running  quite  parallel  with  the  general  direction  of  the 
Potomac,  the  Antietam  at  the  northern  end  of  our  imaginary 
line  is  about  two  and  a  half  miles  east  of  the  river.  Running 
northward  from  Sharpsburg,  almost  midway  between  the  Poto 
mac  and  the  Antietam,  is  the  Hagerstown  road. 

1  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  268. 

a  Harper's  Ferry  fell  at  8  A.  M.  on  the  morning  of  the  I5th,  at  which 
time   Franklin,  though   re-enforced  by   Couch,  was   still  two  or  three 
miles  distant. 
208 


Cor,.  HUGH  W.  MCNEIL 


ANTIETAM  209 

1862   September   16] 

The  broad  outlines  of  the  situation  can  be  easily  stated. 
Lee,  stretching  his  line  in  a  segment  of  a  circle,  could  rest  both 
his  flanks  on  the  Potomac,  a  slight  forward  curvature  being 
sufficient  to  inclose  Sharpsburg.  In  his  rear  he  would  have 
the  Potomac,  easily  fordable  at  that  place,  and  in  his  front  the 
Antietam,  over  which  there  were  but  four  bridges.  Moreover, 
the  troops  that  were  still  in  the  vicinity  of  Harper's  Ferry 
could  join  him  easily,  by  simply  proceeding  up  the  south  bank 
of  the  Potomac  and  fording  the  river  in  his  rear. 

Moving  down  the  mountain  side,  on  the  morning  of  the 
1 5th,  the  Bucktails  marched  to  beyond  JBoonsboro,  a  few  miles 
northeast  of  Sharpsburg.  McClellan  spent  the  day  and  the 
morning  following  reconnoitering  the  position  and  placing  his 
troops.  By  the  afternoon  of  the  i6th  he  had  completed  his 
arrangements.  The  three  lower  bridges  being  covered  by  the 
enemy,  he  decided  to  throw  his  right  across  the  Antietam,  by 
a  higher  unguarded  bridge,  and  thus  envelop  the  Confederate 
left  flank  and  drive  it  in  upon  the  center.  During  the  con 
fusion  incidental  to  this  movement,  if  successful,  the  Union 
left  and  center  were  to  carry  the  bridges  in  their  front. 

The  turning  movement  was  intrusted  to  Hooker's  corps. 
By  2  P.  M.  the  column  was  in  motion  and  crossing  the  stream, 
some  two  and  a  half  miles  north  of  Sharpsburg.  Confident  in 
the  fighting  ability  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  General 
Hooker  placed  them  in  the  advance  and  General  Meade  gave 
to  Seymour's  brigade  the  post  of  honor.  As  the  troops  moved 
towards  the  northwest  their  left  flank  skirted  some  woods. 
Reaching  the  end  of  these  woods,  the  column  swung  round 
and  faced  southward  towards  Sharpsburg.  Four  companies 
of  the  Bucktails,  fulfilling  their  duty  as  skirmishers  for  the 
brigade,  were  deployed ;  the  remaining  six  being  held  in 
reserve  under  Lieutenant  Welch.  The  advance  was  made  cau- 

15 


2io  HISTORY  01-  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[16   September   1862 

tiously  for  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  when  the  enemy's 
pickets  were  discovered,  extending  in  a  line  across  a  ploughed 
field.  At  the  far  side  of  the  field  were  some  heavy  woods  in 
which  the  enemy  was  concealed  in  force.1  As  the  Confederate 
infantry  opened  fire,  the  six  companies  held  in  reserve  moved 
up,  while  the  brigade  prepared  to  give  active  support.  Some 
Confederate  artillery,  although  engaged  by  Cooper's  battery, 
succeeded  in  getting  into  play.  Colonel  McNeil,  after  about 
fifteen  minutes,  ordered  his  men  to  charge  and  clear  the  enemy 
out  of  the  woods.  With  no  cover  to  protect  them,  in  full  view 
of  both  forces,  across  a  field  raked  by  artillery  and  covered 
by  a  heavy  force  of  infantry,  the  men  were  ordered  to  dash. 
Fearless  as  ever,  McNeil  led  his  men  in  person  into  the  open. 
Seventy-five  yards  from  their  goal,  the  fire  became  so  murder 
ous  that  the  men  dropped  to  the  ground,  lying  flat  on  their  faces 
but  pouring  in  shot  after  shot  from  their  breech-loaders.  From 
time  to  time  they  would  rise  and  run  forward  a  few  feet,  only 
to  drop  again  as  they  caught  the  first  flash  of  a  volley  of  mus 
ketry.  Though  the  advance  amidst  the  increasing  hail  of  shot 
and  shell  was  slow,  yet  it  was  steady.  When  but  a  few  paces 
from  the  fence  that  marked  the  edge  of  the  woods,  Colonel 
McNeil  sprang  forward  crying,  "Forward,  Bucktails,  forward." 
Even  as  he  spoke,  he  pitched  lifeless  to  the  ground.2  A  mad 
fury  seized  his  men.  Raging  to  revenge  the  death  of  the  man 
to  whom  they  were  devoted,  they  cleared  the  fence  in  an  in 
stant.  Outnumbered,  they  cared  nothing.  With  their  breech- 
loading  rifles  and  ample  cover  they  were  prepared  to  make  the 
enemy  pay  dearly.  General  Seymour,  seeing  that  his  skirmish 
ers  had  gained  the  edge  of  the  woods,  was  ordering  forward 

1  McGee's  report,  O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  156. 

2  Chaplain  Hatton  covered  the  body  with  a  blanket  and  watched  over 
it  till  the  next  morning.     At  the  same  time  he  kept  careful  watch  over 
three  rebel  prisoners. 


ANTIETAM  211 

1862  September  16] 

the  brigade.  The  enemy,  though  fighting  desperately,  was 
slowly  being  driven  backward  out  of  the  woods,  but  darkness 
compelled  the  men,  however  reluctantly,  to  cease  the  action. 
The  pickets  of  the  combatants  were  so  close  together,  that  Gen 
eral  Seymour  reported  that  they  slept  foot  to  foot.  The  men 
who  had  had  nothing  to  eat  since  noon  realized  that  with  the 
coming  of  daylight  the  combat  would  be  resumed.  The  prox 
imity  of  the  foe  rendered  it  impossible  that  they  should  receive 
food,  and  a  few  hours'  rest  was  the  sum  of  all  for  which  they 
could  hope.  Yet  even  such  rest  as  they  could  snatch  was  not 
to  be  undisturbed.  Twice  during  the  night  the  enemy  attacked 
their  pickets  only  to  be  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.1  After  the 
fall  of  Colonel  McNeil,  the  command  fell  upon  Captain  McGee, 
of  Company  F.  Unsuited  to  the  work  of  leading  the  regiment, 
he  permitted  Adjutant  Hartshorne  to  direct  the  men. 

During  the  night  the  commanders  of  both  armies  made 
hasty  preparation ;  Lee  to  protect  his  threatened  flank,1  McClel- 
lan  to  concentrate  his  attack.  Hooker's  corps  had  been  formed 
with  Meade's  division  in  the  center,  Doubleday's  division  being 
on  the  right,  and  Rickett's  on  the  left;  and  McClellan  ordered 
Mansfield's  corps  to  cross  the  Antietam  and  move  up  in  the 
rear  of  Hooker.  Jackson  opposed  Hooker  with  two  divisions, 
Ewell's  division  being  advanced  to  cover  the  open  ground. 

Seymour's  brigade  of  Meade's  division  had  pushed  for 
ward  to  the  farther  edge  of  the  woods,  which  run  nearly  par 
allel  with  the  Hagerstown  road  half  a  mile  away.  East  of  the 
road,  and  even  with  Hooker's  left,  was  the  now  famous  Dunker 
church.  There  were  woods  west  of  the  Hagerstown  road  and 

1  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  269. 

8  The  attack  on  the  afternoon  of  the  i6th  was  delivered  so  late  that 
darkness  fell  before  the  advantage  gained  could  be  followed  up  and  Lee 
took  advantage  of  the  darkness  to  strengthen  the  threatened  flank. 


212  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[17   September   1862 

a  fringe  of  forest  on  its  eastern  side.  Between  this  fringe  and 
the  woods  occupied  by  Seymour,  was  the  cornfield  in  which 
the  bloodiest  actions  of  the  battle  were  to  take  place.1  At  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning2  fighting  was  recommenced.  As  far  as 
can  be  ascertained  it  started  without  orders.  A  gun  being  dis 
charged,  accidentally  or  on  purpose,  the  close  proximity  of  the 
men  and  the  lifting  darkness  made  it  inevitable.  The  Buck- 
tails,  skirmishers  for  Seymour's  brigade,  became  immediately 
engaged  with  Trimble's  brigade  of  Ewell's  division.3  Slowly 
the  Confederates  were  driven  back  towards  the  Hagerstown 
road.  In  the  middle  of  the  cornfield  was  a  ridge,  behind  which 
a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy  was  sheltered.  As  the  Union 
forces  approached  they  were  met  with  a  furious  fire  and  forced 
to  give  ground.  Thinned  in  numbers,  having  fasted  since  noon 
of  the  previous  day,  almost  exhausted  by  their  efforts,  the 
position  of  the  division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  had  been 
further  weakened  by  the  withdrawal  of  Magilton's  brigade  to 
the  left.  General  Meade,  seeing  the  threatening  columns  of 
the  Confederates  advancing,  ordered  Ransom's  battery  to  open 

1  "It  is  impossible  to  tell  what  number  of  troops  on  each  side  was 
"engaged  in  this  opening  battle.  ...  As  far  as  can  be  made  out  from  the 
"various  reports,  which  are  singularly  wanting  on  both  sides  in  clear 
"topographical  indications,  the  fighting  began  not  far  from  the  western 
"edge  of  the  East  Woods,  and  resulted,  after  very  severe  losses  on  both 
"sides,    in    the   gradual    withdrawal    of   the    Confederates   to    the    West 
"Woods.      Th ,  story  might  be  told  with  far  greater  fullness  and  com- 
"pleteness,  but  for  the  defective  character  of  the  reports  .  .  .  many  of 
"them  are  not  short,  but  they  hardly  ever  tell  to  what  point  of  the 
"compass  the  faces  of  the  troops  were  turned,  and  the  indefinite  article 
"is  constantly  used.     A  lane,  a  road,  a  fence,"  etc.,  etc.     ("Antietam  and 
"Fredericksburg,"  by  Brigadier-General  F.  W.  Palfrey,  p.  74-75-) 

2  "According  to   some   reports,   as   early  as   3  A.    M."     "The   Army 
"of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  Allan,  p. 

383- 

3  McClellan's    report.       "At    daylight    on   the    I7th    the    action    was 
"commenced  by  the  skirmishers  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves."      O.  R. 
XIX.  i.,  p.  55-56. 


ANTIETAM  213 

1862  September   17] 

on  them.  Magilton's  brigade  then  fell  into  line,  and  in  con 
junction  with  Seymour's  and  Rickett's  drove  the  enemy  back, 
Anderson's  brigade  being  eventually  established  upon  the  ridge.1 

As  the  morning  advanced,  the  ammunition  of  the  Bucktails 
became  nearly  exhausted,  and  details  were  sent  to  the  rear  to 
replenish  it.  But  at  10  o'clock  the  division  was  relieved,  Mans 
field's  and  Stunner's  corps  moving  up  to  continue  the  attack.  In 
the  afternoon,  at  2  o'clock,  the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Re 
serves,  having  obtained  food  and  been  resupplied  with  ammuni 
tion,  was  formed  on  the  right  flank,  in  reserve,  but  was  not 
again  actively  engaged.2 

Mansfield's  corps,  which  relieved  Hooker's,  fought  val 
iantly,  but  was  beaten  back  by  Hood.8  Then  Summer's  corps 
was  thrown  in  and  suffered  terribly.*  Thus  three  corps  in  suc 
cession  had  been  hurled  against  the  Confederate  left  without 
accomplishing  its  destruction.  Though  each  extracted  a  heavy 
return,  their  losses  had  been  sufficient  to  destroy  their  own 
offensive  effectiveness.  Franklin's  corps  was  then  crossed  and 
advanced  against  the  enemy  that  had  so  stubbornly  resisted 
three  previous  attacks. 

On  the  Union  left  the  attack  had  also  been  unsuccessful. 
McClellan  had  ordered  Burnside  to  carry  the  bridge  in  front 

1  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  270. 

2  The   ist   corps,   to  which   the   Bucktails  were  attached,  went   into 
action  with   13,093  men,  but  suffered  so  severely,  that  General  Meade, 
on  the  i8th,  reported  that  it  had  only  6,729  men  present  for  duty   (O. 
R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  66).     He,  however,  attributes  much  of  this  reduction 
to   straggling.     General   Hooker,   during  the  course  of  the  action  was 
wounded,  and  compelled,  much  against  his  will,  to  leave  the  field.    Then 
General  Meade  assumed  command  of  the  ist  corps;    General  Seymour 
command  of  the  division;    and   Colonel   Roberts  command  of  the   ist 
brigade. 

3  General  Mansfield  fell  mortally  wounded. 

4  Sedgwick's   division   of  this   corps,  which  probably  took  less  than 
5000  men  into  the  battle,  lost  over  2200. 


214  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[17  September  1862 

of  him  at  8  A.  MV  but  the  bridge  was  not  carried  until  I  p.  MV 
after  which  Burnside's  troops  halted  till  3  p.  M.  At  that  time, 
McClellan  sending  imperative  orders  to  continue  the  advance, 
Burnside's  force  moved.1  With  a  lodgment  effected  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Antietam,  facing  the  Confederate  right,  they 
pushed  forward,  some  of  the  troops  reaching  the  outskirts  of 
Sharpsburg  by  night.8 

With  darkness  the  battle  ended.  Burnside's  troops  on  the 
Union  left  were  at  the  town;  and  Franklin's  forces,  on  the 
Union  right,  though  stationary,  were  holding  firm.  Hence 
through  the  advance  by  both  the  Union  right  and  left,  the  Con 
federate  line,  though  not  disrupted,  had  been  driven  back  and 
made  shorter.  Lee,  however,  in  the  rear  of  Sharpsburg  was 
receiving  reinforcements  in  the  shape  of  troops,  who  had 
marched  up  the  south  bank  of  the  Potomac  and  crossed,  in  his 
rear,  to  his  assistance.  The  total  loss  by  the  Union  side  was 
12,410  killed,  wounded  and  missing;8  the  Confederate  loss  has 
never  been  accurately  ascertained.  Though  not  less  than  8,000,  it 
was  probably  considerably  greater.4  McClellan  undoubtedly  had 

^urnside  normally  commanded  the  ist  and  Qth  Corps.  When 
the  ist  Corps  was  sent  to  the  Union  right  he  refused  to  command 
the  9th  Corps,  which  was  retained  at  the  left,  stating  that  by  so  doing 
he  would  be  acquiescing  in  the  separation  of  his  command  which  he 
did  not  desire.  Hence,  when  orders  were  sent  by  McClellan  to  Bum- 
side,  the  latter  transmitted  them  to  General  Cox,  who  commanded  the 
corps. 

2  McClellan's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  64 

3  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  200. 

4  The  Confederates  in  many  cases  lumped  their  losses  for  the  cam 
paign.     By  deducting  the  losses  in  other  battles,   Swinton  and  others 
arrived  at  8000  for  Antietam.     Swinton  points  out,  however,  that  Mc 
Clellan  reports  that  he  buried  2700  Confederate  dead  (O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i., 
p.  67)  and  that  the  usual  ratio  of  dead  to  wounded  is  5  to  i.     ("Cam 
paigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac"  by  William  Swinton,  p.  221-222.) 
This  ratio  would  give  a  total  of  16,200,  even  if  we  believe  that  Lee 
buried  none  of  his  own  dead. 


ANTISTAM  215 

1862  September  17] 

a  larger  number  of  men  in  his  army  than  Lee  had,  probably 
nearly  two  to  one.  But  every  man  in  the  Confederate  army  took 
active  part,  while  two  out  of  McClellan's  six  corps  were  hardly 
engaged.  Moreover,  the  Union  troops  were  attacking  a  strong 
defensive  position ;  and  it  is  doubtful,  when  remembering  that 
instead  of  a  concerted  attack  being  made  the  various  commands 
were  launched  against  the  enemy  one  after  the  other,  if  at  any 
time  during  any  attack  the  Union  forces  outnumbered  those 
resisting  them.1  This  must  be  the  criticism,  if  any  criticism  be 
made,  upon  the  battle.  On  the  other  hand,  Lee's  army,  terribly 
shattered,  was  compelled  to  abjectly  abandon  its  proposed 
northern  raid;  the  safety  of  Baltimore  and  Washington  was 
assured,  and  for  a  time  the  fears  of  the  people  were  allayed. 
In  addition,  Lee,  who  by  his  invasion  had  hoped  to  largely 
recruit  his  forces,  was  forced  to  contemplate  his  army,  reduced 
by  battle  and  straggling  to  half  its  former  strength;  and  to 
realize  that  the  people  of  Maryland,  far  from  rushing  to  the 
banners  of  the  Confederacy,  believed  in  the  righteousness  of 
the  Union,  and  prayed  for  the  success  of  its  armies. 

In  his  official  report  of  the  battle,  General  Meade  says :  "I 
"feel  it  also  due  to  the  memory  of  a  gallant  soldier  and  accom- 
"plished  gentleman  to  express  here  my  sense  of  the  loss  to  the 
"public  service  in  the  fall  of  Col.  Hugh  McNeil,  of  the  First 
"Pennsylvania  Rifles,  who  fell  mortally  wounded,  while  in  the 
"front  rank,  bravely  leading  on  and  encouraging  his  men,  on 
"the  afternoon  of  the  i6th."2 

Captain  McGee  in  his  official  report,  referring  to  Colonel 
McNeil's  death,  mentions  his  gallant  advance  at  the  head  of  his 
men  till  pierced  to  the  heart  by  a  rifle  ball.  He  also  reports 

1  For  a  discussion  as  to  this  point,  see  Palfrey,  Swinton,  Allan,  the 
Official  Records,  etc.,  etc. 

2  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  270. 


216  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[17  September   1862 

the  loss  of  the  regiment  as  follows  :  "6  killed,  among  whom  was 
"Colonel  McNeil  and  Lieut.  William  Allison;  23  wounded, 
"including  2  officers,  Lieutenants  Welch  and  Bell.  We  also  lost 
"in  missing  10  men."1 

The  official  casualty  report2  shows  the  loss  as  5  killed,  20 
wounded,  none  missing;  but  is  plainly  in  error,  as  Captain 
McGee's  report  was  not  made  out  until  September  22nd,  up  to 
which  date  he  positively  states  that  nothing  had  been  heard  of 
those  reported  missing. 

The  condition  of  the  regiment  was  most  deplorable.  Re 
duced  in  numbers  to  a  scant  two  hundred,  the  officers  in  whom 
they  trusted  were  absent,  wounded,  or  had  been  killed  or  as 
signed  to  other  commands. 

Their  Colonel  had  just  been  killed,  and  though  Captain 
Irvin  had  been  commissioned  Lieutenant-Colonel  on  Septem 
ber  loth,  he  had  not  been  mustered;  moreover,  he  was  absent 
on  account  of  the  wound  received  at  South  Mountain.  Of  the 
Captains  of  companies,  Captain  Holland,  of  Company  A,  had 
been  killed  on  the  Peninsula;  Captain  Wister,  of  Company  B, 
had  resigned  to  become  Colonel  of  the  One-Hundred-and- 
Fiftieth ;  Captain  Gifford,  of  Company  C,  had  been  wounded ; 
Captain  Jewett,  of  Company  D,  was  still  in  the  General  Hos 
pital  recovering  from  the  Peninsular  campaign ;  Captain  Niles, 
of  Company  E,  captured  on  the  Peninsula,  had  not  yet  returned  ; 
Captain  Taylor,  of  Company  H,  captured  at  Harrisonburg,  had 
not  yet  been  exchanged;  and  Captain  Blanchard,  of  Com 
pany  I,  had  been  wounded  at  Harrisonburg.  This  left  but 
Captain  McDonald,  of  Company  G,  and  Captain  McGee,  of 
Company  F,  the  latter  being  the  ranking  officer,  though  Adju 
tant  Hartshorne  led  the  men. 

1  O.  R.  I.  LI.  i.,  p.  156. 
SO.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  191. 


ANTIETAM  217 

1862   September   18] 

The  body  of  Colonel  McNeil,  under  the  care  of  Lieutenant 
McNaughton,  was  taken  to  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  and  interred  with 
military  ceremonies. 

Speaking  of  Colonel  McNeil,  Justin  R.  Sypher,  in  his 
"History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps/'1  says:  "Colonel 
"McNeil  was  not  only  an  accomplished  scholar  and  a  gallant 
"soldier,  but  he  was  what  is  more  and  greater,  a  devout  Chris 
tian.  The  precepts  of  the  Bible  taught  him  by  his  father,  he 
"made  the  rule  of  his  life.  He  entered  the  service  of  his  coun 
try  from  a  sense  of  duty ;  devoted  to  the  cause  of  the  consti 
tution,  he  laid  down  his  life  a  willing  sacrifice  on  the  altar  of 
"universal  liberty,  and  died  in  the  defense  of  republican  gov- 
"ernment." 

Lieutenant  Allison  had  also  been  much  beloved,  and  his 
name  is  perpetuated  in  the  G.  A.  R.  Post  196* 

When  morning  came  on  the  i8th,  McClellan  did  not  resume 
the  attack,  preferring  to  wait  for  reinforcements  then  rapidly 
approaching.3  He  had  captured  13  guns,  39  colors,  some  15,000 
stand  of  small-arms,  and  over  6,000  prisoners  during  the  cam 
paign,  and  was  able  to  state,  "Not  a  single  gun  or  color  was  lost 
"by  our  army  during  these  battles."*  The  battle-field,  small  in 
extent,  resembled  a  shambles,  and  the  victor  was  content  to 
spend  the  day  burying  his  dead  and  giving  his  forces  a  chance 
to  recuperate,  at  the  same  time  issuing  orders  to  renew  the 
conflict  on  the  morning  of  the  iQth. 

During  the  night  of  the  i8th,  however,  Lee  with  his  shat 
tered  army  slipped  across  the  Potomac ;  and  with  this  crossing 
ended  the  Maryland  invasion. 

1  P.  395- 

2  His  body  was  taken  away  by  William  McGladden  and  S.  H.  Moses, 
on  September  5,  on  which  date  they  came  to  fetch  it. 

3  Couch  and  Humphreys  arrived  during  the  day. 

4  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  67. 


BURNSIDE'S    CAMPAIGN. 
I. 

FROM     ANTIETAM     TO     FREDERICKSBURG . 


With  the  withdrawal  of  the  invading  foe  to  the  south  side 
of  the  Potomac,  General  McClellan  decided  to  take  advantage 
of  the  opportunity  offered  to  rest  his  army  for  a  short  time. 
His  general  supplies  were  scanty,1  and  he  was  terribly  in  want 
of  horses.  Therefore,  when  reporting  the  retreat  of  the  Con 
federates  to  General  Halleck,  he  simply  announced  his  intention 
of  occupying  Harper's  Ferry,2  and  in  accordance  with  this  plan 
General  Sumner  took  possession  of  that  place  on  the  22nd.  The 
Bucktails  went  into  camp  near  Sharpsburg,  and  the  mournful 
occupation  of  burying  the  dead  was  continued  during  the  I9th, 
while  the  wounded  were  established  in  hospitals.  As  the  men 
recovered  from  their  exertions,  they  exchanged  visits  with 
those  of  other  regiments  and  discussed  the  probable  future 
movements  of  the  army. 

The  paucity  of  commissioned  officers  present  with  the 
Bucktails,  and  the  injurious  effect  of  this  lack  of  efficient  lead 
ers,  was  fully  recognized  by  General  Meade.  In  an  endeavor 
to,  in  a  sense,  circumvent  the  provisions  of  the  law  under  which 

1  "When  the  enemy  recrossed  the  Potomac  into  Virginia  the  means 
"of  transportation  at  my  disposal  were  inadequate  to  furnish  a  single 
"day's  supply  of  subsistence  in  advance."     McClellan's  report,  O.  R.  I. 
XIX.  i.,  p.  69. 

2  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  68. 

219 


22O  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30   September   1862 

the  Reserves  had  been  called  into  existence,1  he  gave  his  ap 
proval  to  a  petition  to  be  circulated  amongst  the  men.  This 
petition  requested  that  Captain  Taylor,  of  Company  H,  be 
commissioned  Colonel ;  that  Captain  Irvin,  of  Company  K,  be 
commissioned  Lieutenant-Colonel ;  and  that  Adjutant  Harts- 
horne  be  commissioned  Major.2  Approved  by  Generals  Sey 
mour  and  Meade,  the  petition  was  forwarded  to  Governor 
Curtin,  who,  however,  did  not  feel  justified,  even  under  the 
existing  circumstances,  in  issuing  commissions  to  men  not  enti 
tled  to  them  according  to  the  law  as  it  then  stood.  Nor  were 
the  commissions  made  out  till  the  necessary  acts  of  the  Legis 
lature  were  passed  in  1863. 

On  September  3Oth,  Governor  Curtin  wrote  to  President 
Lincoln,  calling  his  attention  to  the  fact  that  though  in  July, 
1861,  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps  had  entered  the  Gov 
ernment  service  numbering  15,760  men,  subsequent  to  the  bat 
tle  of  Antietam,  the  thirteen  infantry  regiments  could  not  mus 
ter  4,000.  He  suggested  that  the  Corps  be  returned  to  Harris- 
burg,  where  he  had  little  doubt  that  but  a  short  time  would  be 
necessary  to  recruit  it  up  to  its  full  strength.  Not  receiving 
a  reply  from  the  President,  he  then  placed  himself  in  communi 
cation  with  General  McClellan,  who,  though  he  thought  well  of 
the  proposition,  was  unable  to  assent  to  it,  as  he  had  immediate 
use  for  the  troops. 

1  As  previously  stated,  the  Act  of  May  15,  1861,  required  that  the 
regiments  should  elect  their  officers,  and  the  Governor  appoint  the  offi 
cers  so  elected :    yet,  the  evils  resulting  from  this  procedure  had  been 
such  that  in  July,   1862,  an  order  was  issued  through  Division  Head 
quarters,    directing  that   thereafter   elections   should  not  be   held.     An 
act  of   Congress,   however,  providing  for   the   acceptance   of  volunteer 
forces,  stipulated  that  vacancies  should  be  filled  by  the  Governors  of 
the  respective  States  in  the  same  manner  as  the  original  appointments 
were  made. 

2  Some  of  the  men  seem  to  have  considered  this  an  injustice  to  Cap 
tains  Niles  and  McDonald. 


FROM  ANTIETAM  TO  FREDERIC KSBURG  221 

1862  November  i] 

While  the  regiment  was  occupied  with  its  own  concerns, 
the  authorities  at  Washington  were  anxious  that  operations  by 
the  army  should  be  immediately  resumed ;  yet  the  Commanding 
General  did  not  feel  justified  in  moving  till  his  supplies  were  in 
better  condition  and  his  horses  more  numerous. 

On  the  ist  of  October  the  President  visited  the  camp  in 
person.  He  went  over  the  battle-fields  of  South  Mountain  and 
Antietam,  and  on  the  3rd,  the  Bucktails  passed  in  review  before 
him. 

On  the  6th  General  McClellan  received  an  order  through 
General  Halleck,  from  the  President,  directing  him  to  advance 
at  once.1  He  was  given  the  choice  of  advancing  down  the 
Shenandoah  Valley,  or  of  making  an  advance  that  would  cover 
Washington.  On  his  choice,  however,  depended  the  strength 
of  the  reinforcements  promised  him.  Nothing  of  moment  had 
been  done  by  the  roth,  when  the  Confederate  General,  Stuart, 
made  another  of  his  spectacular  raids.  With  2,000  horse,  he 
circled  the  entire  Union  rear,  regaining  Confederate  territory 
unharmed.  The  Government,  stung  by  this  raid,  continued  to 
urge  prompt  movement,  but  McClellan  held  back,  pleading  for 
clothes  and  other  supplies  for  his  troops.  Ultimately,  upon  the 
26th  of  October,  the  army  got  under  way,  though  even  then  its 
rate  of  advance  apparently  did  not  satisfy  the  Government  au 
thorities. 

The  Bucktails,  strengthened  slightly  by  those,  who  either 
at  their  homes  or  in  the  hospitals  had  recovered  their  health, 
marched  on  the  26th,  some  twelve  miles  to  the  vicinity  of  South 
Mountain,  proceeding  to  Berlin,  seven  miles  below  Harper's 
Ferry,  on  the  following  day.  After  lying  in  camp  two  days, 
on  the  3Oth  they  crossed  the  Potomac  and  bivouacked  that  night 
near  Lovettsville.  Resuming  their  march  on  November  ist, 

'O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  372. 


222  HISTORY  0$  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[i   November  1862 

they  moved  forward  to  Hamilton.  On  the  3rd  they  moved 
near  Union,  passing  through  the  town  the  next  day.  Resting 
on  the  4th,  they  were  again  in  motion  on  the  5th,  reaching 
White  Plains.  On  the  morning  of  the  6th,  their  division  was 
ordered  to  proceed  to  Warrenton,  but  when  a  mile  away  was 
halted,  while  the  Bucktails  were  ordered  forward.  Information 
being  received  that  the  enemy  was  in  possession  of  the  town, 
which  is  situated  on  high  ground,  half  the  regiment  was  de 
ployed  as  skirmishers.  Charging  forward  they  soon  discovered 
that  there  was  nothing  to  dispute  their  advance,  excepting  a 
small  body  of  cavalry,  which  retired  promptly  upon  being  fired 
upon.  The  skirmishers  were  then  called  in,  and  at  the  head 
of  the  division,  the  Bucktails  led  the  way  through  the  town. 

The  route  which  the  Bucktails,  with  the  First  corps  to 
which  they  belonged,  had  followed,  was  southward  on  the  east 
ern  side  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  which  forms  the  eastern  boundary 
of  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  General  McClellan,  having  decided 
to  advance  so  as  to  keep  Washington  covered,  had  so  moved 
the  troops  that  with  the  First,  Second  and  Fifth  corps  near 
Warrenton,  the  Ninth  corps  on  the  line  of  the  Rappahannock, 
the  Sixth  corps  at  New  Baltimore,  Gainesville  and  Thorough 
fare  Gap,  and  the  cavalry  under  General  Pleasanton,  facing 
Longstreet,  six  miles  from  Culpeper,  he  was  able  to  state  his 
army  was  massed  near  Warrenton,  "ready  to  act  in  any  required 
"direction"  and  "perfectly  in  hand."  Though  Longstreet  was 
near  Culpeper,  east  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Jackson  still 
remained  in  the  Valley  itself,  and  it  was  McClellan's  intention 
to  fall  upon  his  opponent  before  he  could  unite  his  forces,  either 
defeating  him  in  detail,  or  by  forcing  him  back,  to  open  a  route 
to  Richmond.1 

1  McClellan's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XIX.  i.,  p.  88-89. 


FROM  ANTIETAM  TO  FREDERICKSBURG  223 

1862  November  9] 

The  night  of  the  7th  was  cold,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  snow 
storm,  General  Buckingham,  riding  post  haste  from  Washing 
ton,  reached  General  McClellan's  tent,  bearing  an  order,  issued 
by  order  of  the  President,  removing  General  McClellan  and 
directing  General  Burnside  to  assume  command.1 

To  the  men  in  the  army  the  announcement  came  as  a 
blow.  "Little  Mac"  possessed  the  hearts  of  nine  out  of  every 
ten. 

General  Burnside  did  not  assume  actual  command  until  the 
9th,  preferring  to  permit  General  McClellan  to  finish  the  move 
ments  of  the  troops  which  he  had  undertaken.  Then  instead  of 
taking  advantage  of  the  separated  condition  of  the  enemy,  he 
decided  to  move  to  Fredericksburg,  from  which  place  he 
planned  to  advance  against  Richmond.2  After  some  delay  the 
army  was  put  into  motion  towards  Fredericksburg,  and  the 
Confederates  were  compelled  to  follow.  General  Burnside 
reorganized  the  army :  the  Right  Grand  division  was  made  to 
consist  of  the  Second  and  Ninth  corps,  under  General  Sumner ; 
the  Center  Grand  division  of  the  Third  and  Fifth  corps,  under 
General  Hooker ;  and  the  Left  Grand  division,  of  the  First  and 
Sixth  corps,  under  General  Franklin.  Shortly  after  Antietam, 
General  Reynolds  had  returned  from  Pennsylvania  and  was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  the  First  corps,  to  which  the 
division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  was  attached.  General  Sey- 

1  General  McClellan  was  certainly  at  this  time  the  idol  of  the  army : 
to  this  day,  by  the  survivors  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  he  is  proba 
bly  the  most  loved  and  respected  of  their  various  commanders.     His 
partisans  claimed  that  politics  and  intrigue  caused  his   removal;    his 
critics,  that  his  lack  of  energy  and  initiative  were  responsible  for  his 
undoing. 

2  The  reports  and  the  literature  of  this  campaign  through  their  very 
voluminousness  only  accentuate  the  indefmiteness  of  Burnside's  inten 
tions.     Swinton  believed  that  he  hoped  to  postpone  definite  operations 
till  the  following  spring. 


224  HISTORY  OP  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[November   1862 

mour,  who  had  commanded  the  First  brigade  of  the  division  at 
Antietam,  had  been  transferred  to  a  command  in  South  Caro 
lina;  while  the  division  itself  was  so  reduced  numerically  that 
the  One-hundred-and-Twenty-First  Pennsylvania  and  the  One- 
hundred-and-Forty-Second  Pennsylvania,  were  attached  to  it. 
Its  organization  then  became : 

Third  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 

Maj.-Gen.  George  G.  Meade. 
First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade 

Col.  William  Sinclair  Col.  Albert  Magilton 

Col.  William  McCandless  3rd  Penna.  Reserves 

1st  Penna.  Reserves  4th  Penna.  Reserves 

2nd  Penna.  Reserves  7th  Penna.  Reserves 

6th  Penna.  Reserves  8th  Penna.  Reserves 

1 3th  Penna.  Reserves  H2nd  Pennsylvania 

(Bucktails) 
12  ist  Pennsylvania 

Third  Brigade 
Brig.-Gen.  C.  F.  Jackson 

Col.  Joseph  Fisher 
Lieut-Col.  Robert  Anderson 
5th  Penna.  Reserves 
9th  Penna.  Reserves 
loth  Penna.  Reserves 
nth  Penna.  Reserves 
1 2th  Penna.  Reserves 

Artillery 

ist  Pennsylvania  light,  Battery  A. 
ist  Pennsylvania  light,  Battery  B. 
ist  Pennsylvania  light,  Battery  G. 
5th  United  States,  Battery  C1 

1  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  58-59.     Colonel  Sinclair  was  wounded  December 
13,  and  Brigadier-General  Jackson  was  killed  on  the  same  date. 


FROM  ANTIICTAM  TO  FRSDERICKSBURG  225 

1862  November] 

As  the  Bucktails  moved1  towards  Fredericksburg,  the 
orders  regarding  foraging  that  had  been  in  force  on  the  Penin 
sula  were  reissued.  Private  rights  were  to  be  respected,  and 
even  fence  rails  were  to  be  held  sacred.  Campaigning,  how 
ever,  had  taught  the  men  that  fence  rails  were  unequalled  for 
the  purpose  of  coffee  making.  Apart  from  their  easy  procura 
tion  they  were  generally  dry,  and  easily  ignited.  On  one  occa 
sion,  disregarding  the  orders  of  their  Captain,  the  Bucktails 
broke  loose  before  his  very  eyes,  and  so  improvident  were  they 
in  their  use  of  this  not  too  plentiful  commodity,  that  there  was 
not  enough  left  for  the  next  morning's  breakfast.  That  this 
was  done,  not  for  the  sake  of  insurbordination,  but  merely  in 
accordance  with  Napoleon's  declaration  that  war  should  be 
made  to  support  war,  is  perhaps  best  illustrated  by  the  experi 
ence  of  Lieutenant  Ernest  Wright,  of  Company  F.  The  Lieu 
tenant  seeing  a  pig,  became  so  enamored  of  its  charms  that  he 
was  seized  with  a  desire  to  possess  it.  As  ill-luck  would  have 
it,  General  Meade,  who  happened  to  be  passing,  saw  him,  and 
ordered  him  to  halt.  Whether  the  idea  of  fresh  meat  made  the 
Lieutenant  reckless,  or  whether  he  did  not  hear,  he  still  pursued 
his  quarry.  Upon  this  General  Meade  rode  up  to  him  and 
asked  him  if  he  did  not  know  that  he  was  disobeying  orders ; 
but  must  have  been  considerably  astonished  at  the  reply  he 
received.  In  effect  the  Lieutenant  stated  that  he  knew  he  was 
transgressing,  but  that  he  had  little  respect  for  orders  that 
commanded  him  to  go  hungry  to  guard  the  property  of  the 
enemy.  Forthwith  he  was  arrested;  but  that  evening,  General 
Meade,  upon  sending  to  Regimental  Headquarters  and  finding 

1  The  dates  of  march  are  hardly  important:  Nov.  n  to  Fayetteville ; 
Nov.  17  to  White  Ridge;  Nov.  18  to  Stafford  Court  House;  Nov.  22  to 
Brooke's  Station,  a  few  miles  above  Falmouth,  at  which  latter  place 
the  army  was  to  be  concentrated. 

16 


226  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[November  1862 

that  his  prisoner  was  not  only  a  brave  and  good  soldier,  but 
had  also  recently  been  promoted,  ordered  his  release. 

General  Meade,  indeed,  seems  to  have  had  a  faculty  of 
appearing  where  he  was  not  wanted.  At  a  later  date,  a  party 
of  the  "Irish  Infantry,"  as  Company  F  was  frequently  termed, 
under  the  general  direction  of  their  "Little  Orderly,"  had  suc 
ceeded  in  converting  a  live  sheep  into  dead  mutton.  The 
operations  on  the  carcass  necessary  to  prepare  it  for  the  fire 
were  being,  for  obvious  reasons,  performed  in  the  seclusion  of 
some  woods,  when  General  Meade  and  an  orderly  appeared. 
Carrying  their  "dead"  with  them,  the  party  retreated  through 
the  woods,  but  the  tall  figure  continued  to  follow  them.  Forced 
to  keep  moving  the  men  rapidly  reached  the  far  side  of  the 
woods,  beyond  which  were  open  fields.  There  was  nothing  to 
do  but  to  drop  their  booty  and  run  for  it.  Some  of  them  heard 
the  General  calmly  direct  his  Orderly  to  "Pick  that  up ;"  while 
it  was  said  in  camp  that  evening  that  "the  General  was  dining 
"on  roast  lamb." 


BURNSIDE'S    CAMPAIGN. 
II. 

FREDERICKSBURG. 


Upon  arriving  at  Brooke's  Station,  Captain  Taylor,  who 
had  been  exchanged,  and  Captain  Irvin,  who  had  recovered 
from  the  wound  he  had  received  at  South  Mountain,  rejoined 
the  regiment.  Great  was  the  rejoicing  throughout  the  ranks, 
not  only  because  of  the  affection  felt  for  these  officers,  but  also 
because,  by  directions  received  from  Headquarters,  Captain 
Taylor  assumed  command.  Few  inspections  were  so  enjoyed 
as  the  one  held  by  the  latter  on  the  23rd;  nor  did  anything 
relieve  the  monotony  of  camp  life  until  December  4th,  when 
orders  were  received  directing  the  regiment  to  hold  itself  in 
readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice.  The  long  expected 
advance  upon  Fredericksburg  loomed  close  upon  the  horizon, 
and  everything  betrayed  the  interest  felt.  On  the  7th,  a  march 
was  made  of  some  three  miles,  and  on  the  8th  the  regiment 
arrived  at  a  place,  then  termed  Mrs.  Gray's  Bottom.  The 
weather  became  colder,  and  over  icy  roads  the  Bucktails  on  the 
nth  advanced  to  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Fredericksburg,  in 
full  hearing  of  the  bombardment  then  in  progress. 

Fredericksburg  lies  in  a  broken  plain  on  the  southern  bank 
of  the  Rappahannock ;  the  town  being  oblong  in  shape,  with  its 
length  parallel  to  the  river.  The  plain,  in  which  it  is  situated, 
is  formed  by  a  bold  ridge,  partly  wooded,  which  touching  the 
Rappahannock  above  Falmouth,  pursues  a  course  in  the  rear 

227 


228  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[17  November  1862 

of  the  town  generally  parallel  with  the  river.  Six  miles  below 
Falmouth  the  Massaponax  Creek,  flowing  north,  crosses  the 
plain  and  empties  into  the  Rappahannock.  Thus  the  plain 
is  'best  described  as  lying  between  the  Rappahannock  and 
the  ridge ;  its  upper  end  formed  by  the  angle  of  the  ridge  and 
the  Rappahannock,  and  its  lower  end  by  the  Massaponax.  Mid 
way  between  the  upper  end  and  the  Massaponax,  is  Deep  Run, 
which  crossing  the  plain  divides  it  into  two.  In  the  upper  half 
is  the  town  itself. 

When  Burnside  commenced  his  movement  towards  Fred- 
ericksburg,  the  advance  was  given  to  Sumner's  Grand  division. 
Sumner,  who  arrived  at  Falmouth  upon  the  I7th  of  November, 
believing  that  it  would  be  comparatively  easy  to  occupy  the 
town,  it  being  then  but  lightly  defended,  requested  permission 
to  seize  it,  but  his  request  was  denied  by  General  Burnside,1 
who  proceeded  slowly  to  mass  his  troops  preparatory  to  taking 
the  town  by  assault.  His  pontoons  did  not  arrive  until  later 
than  he  expected,  and  this  delayed  him  still  further.  The  Con 
federates,  fully  aware  of  the  designs  of  the  Union  commander, 
made  their  preparations  accordingly.  During  the  weeks  that 
Burnside  permitted  them,  they  concentrated  their  forces  on  the 
ridge  back  of  the  town.  Earthwork  epaulements  for  the  pro 
tection  of  artillery,  rifle  pits  for  infantry,  and  every  other  form 
of  defense  that  human  ingenuity  could  devise,  were  constructed. 
With  the  guns  placed  in  position  and  riflemen  in  the  trenches, 
the  position  became  one  that  might  well  be  termed  impreg 
nable. 

Burnside  when  he  finally  decided  to  attack,  seems  to  have 
had  no  definite  plan  in  mind.  His  orders  were  so  vague  in 
phraseology  that  his  subordinates  were  at  a  loss  to  know  what 

1  Sumner's   testimony :      "Report   of  the   Joint    Committeee   on   the 
"Conduct  of  the  War."     Part  I.,  p.  657. 


229 

1862  December   12] 

to  do.  Still,  at  any  rate,  Burnside  decided  to  cross  his  army 
over  the  Rappahannock,  at  two  places,1  and  then  make  an 
attack.  Sumner's  Grand  division  was  to  be  the  Union  right  and 
Franklin's  Grand  division  the  left,  while  the  majority  of 
Hooker's  Grand  division  was  to  be  held  in  reserve  upon  the 
northern  bank.  On  the  nth  and  I2th  of  December  the  troops 
crossed  the  river. 

It  is  probable  that  the  Union  forces  amounted  to  about 
113,000,  against  the  Confederates'  78,000,  a  disparity2  in  num 
bers  that  by  no  means  counter-balanced  the  unequalness  of  posi 
tion  ;  for  the  Union  troops  were  to  move  across  an  open  plain, 
to  attack  a  position  naturally  strong,  and  upon  the  defences  of 
which  the  Confederates  had  spent  weeks  of  labor.  Sumner's 
Grand  division,  forming  the  Union  right,  occupied  Fredericks- 
burg  and  in  fact  the  plain  from  its  upper  end  to  Deep  Run. 
Franklin's  Grand  division,3  forming  the  Union  left,  extended 
from  Deep  Run  two  miles  towards  the  Massaponax.  The 
entire  army  was  formed  parallel  to  the  river,  with  the  exception 
of  Franklin's  extreme  left.  This  was  held  by  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves,  the  division  being  formed  at  practically  a  right  angle 
to  the  general  line ;  its  left  touching  the  river  at  Smithfield*  and 
its  right  almost  connecting  with  the  left  of  Gibbon's  division. 
The  division  had  been  ordered  to  assume  this  position  to  guard 

1  It  seems  to  be  generally  admitted  that  this  crossing  could  not  have 
been  prevented  by  the  Confederates  on  account  of  Union  artillery  placed 
on  hills  on  the  northern  side  of  the  river,  dominating  the  plain.  General 
Franklin,  however,  in  his  testimony  before  the  Committee  appointed  to 
inquire  into  the  conduct  of  the  war,  maintained  the  opposite.  (Frank 
lin's  testimony :  "Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the 
"War,"  Part  I.,  p.  661.) 

2"Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,"  by  Brigadier-General  F.  W.  Pal 
frey,  p.  149. 

*  The  division  was  strengthened  by  one  of  Hooker's  corps. 

*  Not  shown  on  maps ;  probably  an  old  "Southern  castle." 


230  HISTORY  OP  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[12  December   1862 

against  possible  attacks  that  might  be  made  from  the  direction 
of  the  Massaponax,  a  mile  away. 

At  5  o'clock,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  I2th,  Burnside  visited 
Franklin,  who  requested  permission  to  make  a  strong  attack 
the  next  morning.  At  6  o'clock  Burnside  left  "without  con 
tenting  to  make  the  attack  or  without  saying  he  would  not 
"do  it,"  but  he  did  state  that  orders  would  be  received  in  the 
course  of  two  or  three  hours.  After  midnight  Franklin  sent 
an  Aide-de-Camp  to  the  telegraph  office,  only  to  learn  that  the 
orders  were  being  prepared.  About  7  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  1 3th,  General  Franklin  received  a  despatch  from  Burn- 
side's  Chief  of  Staff,  a  portion  of  which  was  as  follows : 

"General  Hardie  will  carry  this  despatch  to  you  and  remain 
"with  you  during  the  day.  The  general  commanding  directs 
"that  you  keep  your  whole  command  in  position  for  a  rapid 
"movement  down  the  Richmond  road,  and  you  will  send  out  at 
"once  a  division,  at  least,  to  pass  below  Smithfield,  to  seize,  if 
"possible,  the  heights  near  Captain  Hamilton's,  on  this  side  of 
"the  Massaponax,  taking  care  to  keep  it  well  supported  and  its 
"line  of  retreat  open."  ' 

It  would  appear  that  Franklin  was  justified  in  believing 
that  his  main  duty  was  to  be  ready  to  move  down  the  Richmond 
road ;  though  he  was  at  the  same  time  ordered  to  make  an  effort 
to  capture  the  heights  in  front  of  him.  This  effort  was  to  be 
made  by  but  one  division,  which,  however,  was  to  be  well  sup 
ported  and  to  have  its  line  of  retreat  assured.  General  Sumner, 
on  the  Union  right,  seems  to  have  received  orders  which  were 

1  Franklin's  testimony :  "Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Con 
duct  of  the  War."  Part  L,  p.  707-708.  The  injunction  to  keep  his  whole 
command  in  readiness  to  move  is  repeated  later  in  the  order. 


FREDERICKSBURG  231 

1862  December  13] 

no  more  definite  than  those  sent  to  Franklin.1  However,  as  a 
division  was  to  be  sent  to  do  the  work  of  two  average  corps, 
Franklin  instructed  Reynolds  to  order  one  forward,  and  the 
choice  fell  upon  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves. 

The  distance  from  the  Rappahannock  to  the  ridge  at  this 
point  is  about  a  mile  and  a  half.  The  old  Richmond  stage  road2 
runs  down  the  middle  of  the  plain,  being  slightly  nearer  to  the 
river  than  to  the  ridge.  Between  the  road  and  the  ridge,  in  a 
slight  depression  several  hundred  yards  in  width,  runs  the 
Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  Railroad.  The  slope  to  the 
railroad  from  the  extreme  left  for  the  space  of  300  or  400  yards 
was  clear;  beyond  it  was  wooded,  the  woods  extending  across 
the  hollow  and  in  front  of  the  railroad. 

A  heavy  fog  in  the  early  morning  had  obstructed  the  view, 
but  lifted  gradually.  General  Meade,  upon  receiving  his  orders 
to  attack,  put  his  division  in  motion,  advancing  down  the  river 
some  seven  or  eight  hundred  yards,  before,  turning  sharply  to 
the  right,  he  moved  towards  the  ridge.  Crossing  the  road,  con 
siderable  time  was  lost  owing  to  the  necessity  of  removing 
fences  and  bridging  the  side  drains,  so  as  to  permit  of  the  pas 
sage  of  the  artillery.'  The  First  Army  corps,  commanded  by 
General  Reynolds,  consisted  of  three  divisions:  Doubleday's, 
Gibbon's  and  Meade's,  and  General  Reynolds,  when  ordering 
Meade  to  advance,  notified  him  that  he  would  be  supported 
upon  his  right  by  Gibbon,  and  his  left  covered  by  Doubleday.4 

1  "Campaigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,"  by  William  Swinton, 
P-  245- 

"He  finally  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  would  attempt  to  do 
"something,  he  did  not  know  quite  what,  with  his  left,  and  if  he  suc- 
"ceeded  to  do  something  with  his  right."  ("Antietam  and  Fredericks- 
"burg,"  by  Brigadier-General  F.  W.  Palfrey,  p.  151.) 

"This  road  is  frequently  termed  the  Bowling  Green  Road. 

3  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  510. 

4  Reynolds'  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  453. 


232  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13   December   1862 

Between  9  and  10  o'clock,  Meade  formed  his  column  of  attack : 
the  First  brigade  in  line  of  battle  on  the  crest  of  the  hollow  and 
facing  the  railroad;  the  Second  brigade  300  yards  in  the  rear 
of  the  First ;  and  the  Third  brigade  by  the  flank.  The  Third 
brigade  assumed  this  position  to  guard  against  an  attack  on  the 
division's  left  flank  and  rear  being  made  from  the  old  Rich 
mond  road  near  the  Massaponax.  An  attack  made  almost 
immediately  both  by  the  artillery  and  infantry1  from  this  direc 
tion  confirmed  the  justness  of  the  disposition.  The  brigade's 
batteries  were  brought  into  play,  and  sharpshooters  deployed, 
with  such  effect  that  the  demonstration  soon  ceased.  It  was 
then  decided  to  resume  the  advance  and  make  the  attempt  to 
penetrate  the  Confederate  line,  at  the  point  where  the  woods 
projected  beyond  the  railroad.  Contrary  to  usual  custom,  the 
Sixth  regiment  had  been  deployed  as  skirmishers  for  the  First 
brigade,  while  the  Bucktails,  divided  into  squads,  were  ordered 
to  support  the  various  batteries.  Preparatory  to  the  infantry 
advance  the  batteries  were  ordered  to  shell  the  woods  and 
heights,  and  the  Third  brigade  to  change  front,  forming  line 
of  battle  on  the  left  of  the  First.  This  movement  had  hardly 
been  executed  when  the  enemy's  battery,  from  the  heights  on 
the  extreme  left,  poured  in  a  hail  of  shot.  Three  batteries  of 
the  division  replied,  and  after  being  in  practice  for  half  an  hour 
silenced  it  by  blowing  up  its  caissons. 

The  Confederate  right  was  defended  by  Jackson ;  and  to 
A.  P.  Hill's  division  fell  the  task  of  resisting  Meade's  assault. 
Archer's  brigade  of  seven  regiments  was  on  the  Confederate 
right  of  the  woods,  and  Lane's  brigade  on  the  left.  There  was 
a  gap  of  several  hundred  yards  between  the  left  of  Archer  and 
the  right  of  Lane,  but  both  brigades  had  strong  skirmish  lines 

'Stuart's  Horse  Artillery.     See  A.  P.  Hill's  report  O.  R.  I.  XXL, 
P.  645. 


FRED^RICKSBURG  233 

1862  December  13] 

pushed  forward  beyond  the  railroad;  while  Gregg's  brigade, 
500  yards  in  the  rear,  covered  the  space  between  Archer  and 
Lane.  In  addition  a  heavy  force  of  artillery  strengthened  the 
position.1  Moreover,  while  the  woods  entirely  concealed  both 
the  disposition  and  strength  of  the  Confederates  from  the 
Union  troops,  the  latter,  maneuvering  upon  an  open  plain,  were 
in  full  view  of  their  opponents. 

About  I  o'clock  General  Meade  gave  the  order  to  advance, 
and  the  columns  immediately  moved  forward.  By  the  time  the 
line  had  advanced  two  or  three  hundred  yards,  General  Meade 
rode  up  to  Captain  Taylor,  who,  with  his  men,  was  supporting 
the  batteries,  and  asked  him  what  he  was  doing  there.  Taylor 
explained  that  he  had  been  ordered  by  Colonel  Sinclair  to 
remain  with  the  guns,  whereupon  General  Meade  counter 
manded  the  order  of  the  Brigade-Commander,  and  directed  the 
Captain  to  form  his  regiment  and  take  his  proper  place  in  the 
line.  Eager  to  perform  their  duty  the  men  were  formed,  and 
advanced  at  the  double-quick  towards  the  right  of  the  brigade ; 
but  the  Confederates,  who  by  that  time  had  fully  recognized  the 
meaning  of  the  various  movements,  opened  such  a  withering 
fire  that  a  gap  was  opened  in  the  left,  and  into  the  gap,  Captain 
Taylor  diverted  his  command.2  Penetrating  the  woods,  and 

1  "The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
William  Allan,  p.  477-478. 

2  These  conflicting  orders  were   responsible    for  the   scant  mention 
of  the  regiment  in  the  official  reports.     Colonel  McCandless,  who  suc 
ceeded  Colonel  Sinclair  in  command  of  the   ist  brigade,  merely  states 
that  the  Bucktails  were  detached  to  support  Cooper's  battery,  and  ad 
vanced  with  the  3rd  brigade   (O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  518)  ;    while  Colonel 
Anderson,  in  his  official  report  of  the  action  of  the  3rd  brigade  (O.  R. 
I.  XXL,  p.  521)  fails  to  make  mention  of  them  at  all.    The  explanation 
is  simple.     The  3rd  brigade  was  formed  with  its  right  almost  touching 
the    ist   brigade's    left.       The    Commander   of   the    ist   brigade   having 
detached  the  regiment,  thought  that  when  it  moved  up  on  his   left  it 
was   still   acting   with   the   3rd   brigade;    and   the    Commander   of   the 


234  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13   December   1862 

driving  the  rebels  before  them,  the  Bucktails  reached  the  rail 
road.  Captain  Larrimer,  of  Company  E,  of  the  Fifth  regiment, 
was  at  this  point  calling  upon  his  men  for  a  charge.  Co-oper 
ating  with  this  force,  the  Bucktails  endeavored  to  force  back 
their  opponents,  but  without  avail,  though  the  attempt  cost 
many  lives.  Upon  the  right  of  the  Bucktails,  the  One-Hundred- 
and-Twenty-First  was  driving  back  the  enemy,  and  thus  re 
lieved  from  the  pressure  on  their  right  flank,  the  Bucktails  were 
enabled  to  join  in  the  advance.  From  ditches  and  rifle  pits  close 
to  the  railroad  the  First  brigade  drove  the  Confederates ;  then 
they  forced  them  back  into  the  woods  till  they  came  to  the 
second  parallel,  capturing  a  large  number  of  prisoners  and 
stacks  of  muskets.1  Still  they  advanced  till  they  gained  the 
farther  side  of  the  wood.  Here  a  road  ran  in  front  of  them 
and  beyond  it  was  an  open  plateau  in  turn  dominated  by  another 
ridge.  Captain  Taylor,  whose  horse  had  been  shot  under  him, 
had  encouraged  his  men  on  foot  till  he  fell  wounded.  Up  at 
the  front  Corporal  Looney,  of  Company  G,  bore  aloft  the  silk 
flag  of  Company  K,  which  since  the  Peninsular  campaign  had 
done  service  as  the  colors  of  the  regiment ;  and  as  he  dropped 
with  his  death  wound,  his  blood  spurted  over  the  tattered  flag. 
Acting  as  a  wedge  of  the  army,  the  brigade  had  penetrated 
the  Confederate  line,  and  having  done  so,  received  a  terrific 
fire  from  both  infantry  and  artillery  on  both  flanks,  as  well  as 

3rd  brigade  when  it  moved  up  on  his  right,  thought  that  it  had  re 
joined  the  ist  brigade.  In  fact,  in  the  official  casualty  report  (O.  R. 
I.  XXL,  p.  139)  it  appears  with  the  ist  brigade.  Captain  Bard, 
in  his  "History,"  is  authority  for  the  account  of  its  co-operation  at  one 
moment  with  the  5th  regiment,  which  belonged  to  the  3rd  brigade,  and 
at  another  moment  with  the  I2ist,  which  belonged  to  the  ist  brigade. 
As  Colonel  McCandless  remarks  (O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  519),  "Owing  to 
"the  density  of  the  woods  and  the  unevenness  of  the  ground  over  which 
"we  passed,  the  regiments  became  greatly  confused." 
1  McCandless'  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  518-519. 


FRSDERICKSBURG  235 

1862  December  13] 

upon  the  front.  With  its  ammunition  practically  exhausted  it 
fell  back.  As  it  did  so,  the  Second  brigade  advanced,  and 
reached  nearly  the  same  point,  only  to  fall  back  in  like  manner.1 
The  Third  brigade  held  its  position  in  the  woods  for  over  an 
hour,  but  a  portion  of  it  gained  the  summit,  as  had  the  First 
and  Second  brigades.2 

General  Meade's  division  had  done  everything  that  had 
been  asked  of  it.  It  had  driven  the  enemy  from  his  rifle  pits 
and  breastworks  for  over  half  a  mile :  had  taken  over  300  pris 
oners  and  several  standards.  Attacked  upon  three  sides  by  the 
enemy,  who  was  being  reinforced  as  fast  as  Jackson  could  urge 
his  troops  to  the  front,  the  division  being  unsupported  was 
compelled  to  fall  back.  So  sure  were  the  officers  of  their  ability 
to  have  held  the  ground  they  had  won,  had  they  been  supported, 
that  two  of  the  Brigade-Commanders  considered  it  incumbent 
upon  them  to  incorporate  such  a  statement  in  their  reports.* 
Gibbon's  division,  which  was  to  have  supported  their  right, 
had  been  retarded,  and  diverted,4  and  Birney's  division,  which 
had  occupied  the  place  vacated  by  the  Reserves  when  they 
moved  to  the  attack,  remained  too  far  to  the  rear.  Compelled 
to  relinquish  what  he  had  won,  General  Meade  determined  to 
withdraw  his  men  with  as  small  a  loss  as  the  situation  would 
permit.  Sending  back  he  called  for  reinforcements,  but  none 
came.  With  every  moment  the  situation  became  more  critical, 

1  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  512. 

2  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  512. 

3McCandless,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  519.  Anderson,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p. 
522. 

*  Meade  testified,  "General  Gibbon's  division — which  I  had  under- 
"stood  was  to  have  advanced  simultaneously  with  my  own,  did  not 
"advance  until  I  had  been  driven  back.  It  advanced  until  it  came 
"within  short  range  of  the  enemy,  when  it  halted.  The  officers  could  not 
"get  the  men  forward.  .  .  .  That  delay  enabled  the  enemy  to  concen 
trate  their  forces  and  attack  me  on  my  front  and  both  flanks."  "Re- 
"port  of  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War."  Part  L,  p.  691. 


236  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  December   1862 

till  remembering  that  though  he  was  fighting  in  the  uniform 
of  a  Brigadier-General,  he  had  in  his  pocket  his  commission  as 
Major-General,  he  rode  back  to  General  Birney,  exclaiming: 
"General,  I  assume  the  authority  of  ordering  you  up  to  the 
"relief  of  my  men."1  A  portion  of  Birney's  division  was  imme 
diately  detached  and  assisted  in  the  withdrawal  operations. 
With  empty  cartridge  boxes,  the  shattered  division  was  again 
forced  to  cross  the  open  plain,  which,  through  the  enemy's  fire, 
resembled  a  ploughed  field.  General  Reynolds  and  General 
Meade  attempted  to  rally  the  men  while  under  fire,  but  not 
succeeding  the  line  was  reformed  on  the  other  side  of  the  old 
Richmond  road.  It  cannot  be  too  persistently  borne  in  mind 
that  the  act  of  penetrating  an  enemy's  line  is  a  dangerous  one 
for  the  troops  constituting  the  wedge.  Necessarily  subjected  to 
a  heavy  fire,  they  are  certain  to  be  more  or  less  diverted  from 
their  course,  by  objects  with  which  they  may  meet,  and  to  be 
come  separated,  more  or  less,  after  breaking  through.  When 
woods  are  encountered  the  disorganization  increases.  If  support 
is  immediately  given,  the  captured  position  may  be  retained  ;  but 
should  delay  occur  in  giving  succor,  the  successful  charge  fre 
quently  ends  in  a  disorganized  rout.  The  withdrawal  of  the 
Reserves  unannihilated  constituted  a  remarkable  military  feat. 
General  Meade  stated  that  4,50x5  men  would  be  a  liberal  esti 
mate  of  the  strength  of  the  division  as  it  went  into  action  :2  the 
official  casualty  reports3  show  that  the  loss  in  killed,  wounded 
and  missing  was  1,853.  Well  might  Meade  exclaim,  "My  God, 
"General  Reynolds,  did  they  think  my  division  could  whip 
"Lee's  whole  army.  There  is  all  that  is  left  of  my  Reserves." 
The  rest  of  the  battle  is  soon  told.  Meade's  division  retired 

1  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  by  J.  R.   Sypher, 

P-  415. 

2  Meade's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  512. 
8  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  140. 


FREDERICKSBURG  237 

1862  December   13] 

shortly  after  2  o'clock.  Sumner,  on  the  right,  had  been  ordered 
to  assault  the  ridge  in  his  front  and  selected  Couch's  Second 
army  corps  for  the  attack.1  The  divisions  of  Hancock  and 
French  were  ordered  forward  and  at  about  I  o'clock,  being 
thrown  against  an  impregnable  position,2  were  destroyed :  Han 
cock  losing  2,032  and  French  1,160  men.  Howard's  division, 
which  moved  to  their  support,  escaped  with  a  loss  of  914.  Stur- 
gis'  division,  of  the  Ninth  corps,  had  been  ordered  forward  on 
the  left  and  made  several  attacks  in  support  of  the  Second  corps, 
losing  1,007  men.  This  whole  attack  costing  over  5,000  men, 
had  spent  its  force  by  half  past  two,  and  should  have  convinced 
even  the  most  sceptical  of  the  futility  of  frontal  attacks.  Yet 
Burnside  obstinately  ordered  the  Fifth  army  corps,  which  had 
been  held  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  to  cross  and  attack. 
So  apparent  was  the  madness  of  assaulting  the  defences  the 
Confederates  had  erected  at  this  point  that  General  Hooker 
personally  begged  Burnside  to  desist,  but  without  result.3 
Humphreys'  division  was  selected,  with  Sykes'  division  in  sup 
port.  When  Hooker  considered  that  he  had  lost  as  many  men 
as  his  orders  required  him  to  lose/  he  suspended  the  attack.  In 
fifteen  minutes  Humphreys  lost  1,019  men  and  Sykes  228.  For 
tunately  it  was  approaching  evening  and  the  battle  ceased. 

1  His  orders  seem  to  have  been  practically  the  same  as  Franklin's — 
to  attack  with  a  division  whose  line  of  retreat  should  be  kept  open. 

2  Into   how   much    detail   shall   we   go   in   telling   the   story   of  this 
"attempt   to  carry  wooded   slopes   and   successive  crests,   this   advance 
"against  admirable  troops,  covered  by  breastworks  and  rifle-pits,  with 
"guns  protected  by  earthworks,  disposed  in  lines  which  gave  both  front 
"and  enfilading  fires  on  their  assailants  as  they  moved  up  the  gradual 
"slope."     ("Antietam  and  Fredericksburg,"  by  Brigadier-General  F.  W. 
Palfrey,  p.  165.) 

'Hooker's  testimony:  "Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct 
"of  the  War,"  Part  I.,  p.  668. 

4  His  own  words.  Hooker's  testimony :  "Report  of  the  Joint  Com- 
"mittee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War,"  Part  I.,  p.  668. 


238  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  December  1862 

The  Union  commander  was  confronted  with  a  total  loss  of 
12,653  men;1  while  the  Confederates  apparently  lost  only  5,3OO,;2 
and  it  should  be  remembered  that  of  this  number  more  than 
two-thirds,  or  3,415,  fell  before  Franklin's  attack,  led  by  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserves,  leaving  but  1,555  to  offset  the  Union 
casualties  on  the  right. 

During  the  night  General  Burnside  actually  proposed  to 
resume  the  attack  the  next  day,  by  forming  the  Ninth  corps  in 
a  column  of  attack  by  regiments,  and  leading  it  to  assault  in 
person:  yet,  urgently  entreated  by  General  Sumner,  he  aban 
doned  the  idea. 

Military  historians  have  universally  condemned  the  attack 
made  by  the  Union  right.  The  attack  made  by  the  Union  left, 
led  by  the  Reserves,  is  a  different  matter.  Franklin  believed 
that  could  he  secure  firm  lodgment  on  the  ridge  it  would  be 
desirable,  and  though  others  consider  the  importance  of  such 
position  exaggerated,  it  is  hard  to  see  how  the  Confederates 
could  have  avoided  a  retreat  had  it  been  held.3  The  remark 
able  valor  of  the  troops,  who  for  a  short  time  did  cling  to  the 
ridge  is,  however,  not  a  matter  of  dispute.  General  Jackson 
reports  the  attack  as  being  made  by  the  "main  body  of  Frank - 
"lin's  grand  division,  supported  by  a  portion  of  Hooker's"  and 
describes  how  they  advanced  to  "within  point  blank  range  of 
"our  infantry"  and  became  "thus  exposed  to  the  murderous  fire 
"of  musketry  and  artillery."4  General  Archer,  commanding  a 
brigade  in  A.  P.  Hill's  division,  reported  that  the  Nineteenth 

1  All  these  figures  are  taken  from  the  official  casualty  records. 

2  "Campaigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,"  by  William  Swinton,  p. 

253. 

3  See  also  comment  of  General  Meade,  quoted  in  the  chapter  "Cen- 
"treville  and  the  Mine  Run  Campaign,"  stating  that  the  Union  army 
would  have  won  had  the  Reserves  been  supported. 

4  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  632. 


FREDSRICKSBURG  239 

1862  December   13] 

Georgia  and  Fourteenth  Tennessee  were  compelled  to  retire, 
leaving  about  160  prisoners.  Also  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
Seventeenth  Tennessee  "left  the  trenches  in  disorder."1 

In  fact  so  rapid  was  their  advance  that  General  Gregg, 
who,  in  the  rear,  guarded  the  gap  between  Archer  and  Lane, 
did  not  believe  that  they  could  be  Union  troops  and  ordered  his 
men  to  hold  their  fire,  paying  for  his  mistake  with  his  life  a 
moment  later.2 

Owing  to  their  conflicting  orders  the  Bucktails  are  practi 
cally  unmentioned  in  the  official  reports,  though  they  stand  out 
prominently  in  the  casualty  report: 

Killed.     Wounded.     Missing.      Total. 
Officers  i  4  i  6 

Men    18  109  28  155 


Total   19  113  29  i6i3 

thus  showing  a  greater  loss  than  any  other  regiment  in  their 
brigade. 

Lieutenant  W.  B.  Jenkins,  of  Company  C,  was  killed,  while 
Captains  Taylor  and  Irvin,  who  had  only  just  rejoined  the 
regiment,  were  wounded.  Lieutenants  O.  D.  Jenkins,  of  Com 
pany  C ;  D.  G.  McNaughton,  of  Company  D ;  T.  B.  Winslow, 
of  Company  G ;  and  R.  F.  Ward,  of  Company  I,  were  the  other 
officers  to  suffer.4  Among  the  men  injured  was  Francis  Gruay, 

1  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  657.    In  a  letter  to  the  Orderly-Sergeant  of  Com 
pany  F,  dated  October  13,  1890,  Governor  Curtin  said,  "I  will  not  for- 
"get  in  this  letter  to  you  that  Gen.   Meade  told  me  when  you  went 
"through  the  enemy's  lines  at  Fredericksburg  with  the  Reserve  corps, 
"that  he  was  confident  he  was  through  because  the  'Bucktails'  were  en 
gaged  in  collecting  what  was  left  in  the  Rebel  camp :   that  battle  was  a 
"slaughter,  and  if  supported  might  have  ended  the  war." 

2  "The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  1862,"  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
William  Allan,  p.  487. 

3O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  139- 

4  Another  instance  of  the  official  casualty  report  being   in  error — 
6  not  4  officers  were  wounded. 


240  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  December   1862 

of  Company  D,  better  known  as  "French  Frank,"  who  besides 
being  Drill  Master,  was  one  of  the  characters  of  the  regiment. 
He  was  struck  in  the  hip  with  a  ball  and  as  his  leg  remained 
stiff  received  his  discharge.1 

The  horror  that  permeated  the  whole  battle  is  illustrated  in 
the  death  of  Henry  Jackson.  A  shell  tore  off  one  leg  at  the 
knee,  mangling  the  other.  While  the  surgeons  were  preparing 
in  the  field  hospital  to  amputate,  Jackson  remained  calm  and 
sitting  upright,  till  a  shell  dropped  by  the  table  and  exploding 
killed  him.  Lew  Jordan,  who  was  acting  as  nurse,  was  killed 
instantly,  and  Dr.  Crouch  wounded  in  the  head.  Others  suf 
fered  also,  but  their  names  have  not  been  recorded. 

When  the  troops  had  been  driven  back  they  had  been 
unable  to  carry  all  their  dead  and  wounded  with  them.  Under 
a  flag  of  truce,  on  the  I4th,  some  of  the  Surgeons  directed  the 
work  of  recovery  and  continued  their  labor  on  the  I5th.  Then 
in  the  night,  in  the  midst  of  a  storm,  the  Reserves  were 
ordered  to  recross  the  river,  and  went  into  camp  with  the  other 
troops.  On  the  morning  of  the  i6th,  therefore,  Burnside  had 
once  more  concentrated  his  forces  on  the  north  bank  of  the 

1  His  soldierly  bearing  in  the  hospital  at  Washington  made  him 
friends  who  secured  for  him  a  position  as  sutler  at  the  end  of  the  long 
bridge  over  the  Potomac.  Captain  Bard  is  authority  for  the  statement, 
that  at  South  Mountain,  Gruay  seeing  three  rebels  behind  a  hay  stack, 
took  refuge  behind  a  tree.  Then  after  drawing  their  fire  by  exhibiting 
his  cap  upon  a  stick,  he  rushed  forward,  bagged  his  prey,  and  marched 

them  up  to  General  Meade,  with  the  remark,  "General,  see  ze  d d 

"rebels,  caught  them  behind  straw  stack."  When  the  General  told 
him  to  turn  them  over  to  the  Provost  Marshal,  he  asked :  "Where  is 
"ze  Provost  Marshal?"  Rather  surprised,  the  General  replied  that  the 
Marshal  could  be  found  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  "Ah,"  said  Francis, 
"General !  I  so  tired,  I  cannot  go  down  ze  big  hill,  I  so  nearly  done 
"for."  Laughing,  the  General  told  him  to  turn  his  prisoners  over  to 
some  stragglers  who  were  passing,  and  asked  if  there  were  any  more 
rebels  in  front.  "General,  I  capture  lot  more,"  was  the  reply  of  the 
Frenchman  as  he  moved  forward. 


FREDERICKSBURG  241 

1862   December  19] 

Rappahannock,  facing  the  enemy  on  the  south  bank,  and  the 
book  of  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg  had  been  closed. 

The  Bucktails  marched  on  the  i8th  to  near  Belle  Plain, 
which  is  six  miles  north  of  Falmouth  and  on  the  Potomac 
River.  On  the  i9th,  they  were  ordered  to  make  their  tents  as 
comfortable  as  possible,  and  on  the  same  date  General  Meade 
reported  their  strength  to  be  as  follows : 

Officers.        Men.          Total. 

Present  16  273  289 

Absent   8  282  290 

Total    24  555  579 

showing  that  15  officers  and  425  men  were  required  to  fill  the 
regiment.1  Shortly  after,  General  Meade,  in  accordance  with 
his  promotion  to  Major-General,  severed  his  connection  with 
the  division  to  assume  command  of  the  Fifth  army  corps. 
Upon  leaving  he  caused  a  highly  commendatory  address  to  be 
read  in  the  presence  of  all  the  companies.  The  division  was 
then  again  reorganized  as  follows  : 

Third  Division,  First  Army  Corps. 

Col.  Horatio  G.  Sickel. 

First  Brigade.  Second  Brigade 

Col.  William  McCandless       Col.  Robert  P.  Cummings 

ist  Penna.  Reserves  3rd   Penna.  Reserves 

2nd  Penna.  Reserves  4th    Penna.  Reserves 

6th  Penna.  Reserves  7th    Penna.  Reserves 

1 3th  Penna.  Reserves  8th    Penna.  Reserves 

(Bucktails)  I42nd  Pennsylvania 

12 ist  Pennsylvania 

1  O.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  879.  The  number  required  was  obtained  by  as 
suming  that  all  those  reported  "absent"  would  return,  and  deducting  the 
present  and  absent  from  the  total  desired. 

17 


242  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[20  January   1863 

Third  Brigade 

Col.  Martin  D.  Hardin 
5th  Penna.  Reserves 
9th  Penna.  Reserves 

loth  Penna.  Reserves 

nth  Penna.  Reserves 

1 2th  Penna.  Reserves 
Artillery. 

ist    Penna.,  Battery  B. 

5th  United  States,  Battery  C.1 

ist    Penna.,  Battery  G. 

ist    Penna.,  Battery  A. 

The  weather  became  very  cold  and  the  troops,  believing 
that  active  operations  were  over  for  the  winter,  set  about  build 
ing  winter  quarters.  Christmas  passed  uneventfully,  one  of  the 
men's  diaries  containing  the  laconic  entry,  "At  camp,  on  guard. 
"Our  Christmas  dinner  bean-soup.  Fine  day."2  On  the  3Oth 
orders  were  received  to  be  ready  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice, 
yet  the  movement  hung  fire.  General  Burnside,  the  target  for 
the  most  scathing  criticism  for  uselessly  throwing  away  the 
lives  of  his  men  at  Fredericksburg,  had  decided,  however,  that 
he  could  not  close  operations  for  the  winter  without  making 
another  attempt.  Hence  he  made  preparations  to  cross  his 
army  at  the  south  bank  at  Bank's  Ford,  masking  his  intention 
by  feints  above  and  below  Fredericksburg.  Roads  were  cut, 
batteries  planted,  rifle  trenches  prepared  and  everything  put 
into  readiness.  On  the  night  of  January  2Oth,  while  the  move 
ment  was  in  progress,  a  terrific  storm  came  on,  and  prevented 
anything  being  accomplished  successfully.  The  clay  roads  be 
came  impassable  and  the  teams  were  unable  to  drag  the  pon- 

1 0.  R.  I.  XXL,  p.  933- 

2  Diary  of  William  A.  Holland. 


FREDERICKSBURG  243 

1863   February  6] 

toons  to  their  assigned  positions.  The  enemy  became  aware  of 
the  Union  Commander's  intentions  and  watched  grimly.  Dur 
ing  the  day  efforts  worthy  of  giants  were  made  to  get  the  pon 
toons  into  position,  but  unavailingly.  On  the  southern  bank  the 
Confederates  taunted  their  laboring  opponents.  The  condition 
of  the  roads  almost  passes  belief.  The  army  was  half  buried 
in  mud  and  liquid  muck,  in  which  the  horses  and  mules  sank. 
The  wagons  were  scattered  about  embedded  up  to  the  hubs  of 
the  wheels,  or  overturned  and  half  buried  in  the  mud :  the 
ammunition  trains  and  artillery  hopelessly  stalled.  Efforts  were 
made  to  corduroy  the  road  and  the  army  staggered  back. 

The  Bucktails  took  part  in  this  "Mud  March,"  as  it  has 
come  to  be  known,  returning  with  the  other  troops  and  busying 
themselves  with  fixing  up  their  old  quarters.  Four  months' 
pay  was  distributed  on  January  29th,  and  the  men,  who  needed 
it  badly,  as  in  fact  they  always  did,  received  it  thankfully. 
During  the  cold  and  wet  they  did  much  tailoring  and  made  an 
effort  to  repair  the  c!;.»n  age  sustained  during  the  recent  cam 
paign. 

General  Burnside,  at  his  own  request,  was  removed  from 
command  of  the  army  and  General  Hooker  appointed  in  his 
stead1  on  January  26th,  1863. 

Although  efforts  made  to  have  the  Reserves  sent  to  Harris- 
burg  to  recuperate  and  recruit  proved  unavailing,  they  were 
ordered  to  the  defenses  of  Washington,  where  it  was  thought 
much  could  be  accomplished.  On  February  6th,  the  Bucktails 
marched  to  Belle  Plain  and  were  put  on  board  an  old  canal 
boat.  While  endeavoring  to  get  out  of  the  creek,  a  piece  of  ice 

XO.  R.  I.  XXI.,  p.  1005.  The  removal  of  General  Burnside  was 
inevitable,  yet  it  is  only  fair  to  state  that  upon  his  appointment  he  had 
stated  that  he  felt  he  was  incompetent,  and  did  not  wish  to  have  the 
responsibility. 


244  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[7  February  1863 

stove  a  hole  in  this  leaky  craft  and  a  scramble  was  made  to 
board  the  steamer  that  had  it  in  tow.  Hardly  had  the  last  man 
climbed  aboard  the  steamer  when  the  canal  boat  sank.  Though 
saved  from  being  below  water,  the  men  were  through  the  mis 
hap  compelled  to  make  a  deck  passage,  and,  needless  to  say, 
were  very  cold  before  arriving  at  Alexandria  on  the  following 
morning. 


COL.  CHARLES  F.  TAYLOR 


THE    PENNSYLVANIA    INVASION. 

I. 

IN     CAMP     NEAR     WASHINGTON. 


When  the  Bucktails,  with  the  other  regiments  constituting 
the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  were  ordered  to  the  defences 
of  Washington,  it  was  supposed  that  their  duties  would  be 
lighter  and  their  life  easier  than  it  would  be,  should  they  remain 
in  camp  near  Fredericksburg.  This  was  hardly  the  case, 
excepting  insofar  as  they,  owing  to  their  absence,  failed  to 
participate  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville ;  for  in  addition  to 
shifting  their  camp  on  several  occasions,  the  enemy's  skirmish 
ers  and  guerrilla  forces  were  almost  daily  and  nightly  in  contact 
with  the  guard,  thus  making  picket  duty  unusually  frequent  and 
severe.  In  fact,  upon  the  I4th,  there  was  almost  a  mutiny  in 
the  brigade  on  account  of  some  of  the  men  having  been  assigned 
to  picket  duty  for  seven  successive  days.  The  winter,  too,  was 
remarkably  severe,  snow  alternating  with  heavy  rain  making 
things  generally  uncomfortable.  Even  as  late  as  March  3ist, 
eighteen  inches  of  snow  were  recorded;  nor  was  this  the  last 
fall,  as  on  April  5th,  another  heavy  snow  storm  obstructed  the 
camp. 

Yet  at  the  same  time,  owing  to  the  proximity  of  the  camp 
to  the  capital,  and  to  the  comparative  ease  with  which  passes 
could  be  obtained,  the  change  was  beneficial  to  the  men.  Even 
when  most  dangerously  threatened,  Washington  showed  but 
little  signs  of  war.  That  is,  the  theatres  continued  to  be  well 
245 


246  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAII.S 

[7  February  1863 

patronized,  the  drives  to  be  crowded  with  handsome  equipages, 
and  social  functions  to  be  well  attended.  Indeed  it  is  doubtful 
whether  the  war  did  not  actually  increase  the  gaiety  of  the  city, 
by  adding  to  its  population.1 

The  Bucktails  were  not  behind  other  troops  in  endeavoring 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  good  things  offered.  Arriving  at 
Alexandria  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  that  evening  found  some 
of  them  at  the  circus.  Their  camp  was  pitched  about  one  mile 
from  Alexandria,  and  here,  on  the  Qth,  the  regiment  was  in 
spected.  Marching  to  the  railroad  on  the  I2th,  they  boarded 
the  cars  and  were  carried  to  Fairfax  Station,  where  they  imme 
diately  proceeded  to  fit  up  their  quarters.  The  enemy  being 
active,  men  from  each  company  in  the  regiment  wrere  sent  out 
scouting  on  the  I5th.  From  then,  to  the  23rd,  it  rained  or 
snowed  every  day,  and  considerable  uneasiness  was  occasioned 
by  the  outbreak  of  small-pox.  Fortunately  the  cases  were 
few  and  the  disease  did  not  spread,  though  on  March  6th,  it 
caused  the  death  of  Austin  Irvin,  of  Company  K.  The  citi 
zens  of  the  village  of  Fairfax  were,  almost  to  a  man,  secession 
ists,  but  being  within  the  Union  lines,  they  were  fairly  hospit 
able  and  civil.  Still  on  a  few  occasions,  when  the  questions  of 
the  day  were  inadvertently  broached,  the  men  discovered  that 
familiarity  with  the  vocabulary  of  swearing,  was  not  a  posses 
sion  peculiar  to  the  army. 

On  the  night  of  the  8th  of  March,  the  camp  was  thrown 
into  a  turmoil.  About  2.30  A.  MV  Mosby,  with  twenty-nine 
of  his  men,  rode  into  the  town,  roughly  awakened  Brigadier- 
General  Edwin  H.  Stoughton,  and  carried  him  off.  With  him, 
the  raiders  took  two  Captains,  thirty  other  prisoners  with  their 

1  Colonel  Thomas  Chamberlain  in  his  "History  of  the  isoth  Penn- 
"sylvania"  mentions  several  of  the  attractions  that  were  most  patronized 
by  soldiers.  (Revised  edition,  chapter  VII.,  p.  54-59-) 


IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON  247 

1863  March  10] 

arms  and  equipments,  and  fifty-eight  horses.1  In  a  measure, 
to  guard  against  a  repetition  of  such  a  humiliating  experience, 
the  Bucktails  were  ordered  to  move  their  camp  closer  to  the 
village,  a  precaution  which  resulted  favorably,  for  during  the 
time  of  their  presence,  Mosby's  Rangers  did  not  again  penetrate 
the  Union  line  in  that  vicinity.  Efforts  had  been  made  fre 
quently  to  capture  this  audacious  raider,  though  without  avail. 
Therefore  it  was  time  that  ordinary  measures  should  be  aban 
doned  and  strategy  brought  into  play.  Early  on  the  Qth,  four 
men  from  each  of  the  companies  were  told  off,  divided  into  four 
squads,  and  placed  in  four  army  wagons.  So  well  kept  was  the 
secret  of  the  service  required  of  the  detail,  that  the  other  regi 
ments,  believing  that  the  Bucktails  were  being  sent  to  Harris- 
burg  to  rest  and  recruit,  while  they  were  still  retained  on  duty, 
jeered  at  them.  The  scheme  concocted  was  a  simple  one.  The 
expedition,  far  from  having  warlike  designs,  was  a  simple  for 
aging  one.  The  Bucktails  were  to  conceal  themselves  in  the 
covered  wagons,  escorted  by  a  plainly  insufficient  detachment  of 
cavalry.2  Surely  Mosby's  men  would  snap  at  the  bait;  the 
escort  was  very  small,  and  four  wagons  would  make  a  nice 
addition  to  the  loot  already  collected. 

Proceeding  down  the  pike,  under  the  guidance  of  a  Union 
ist,  called  "Yankee"  Davidson,  everything  went  peacefully,  the 
party  putting  up  for  the  night  in  a  barn.  Hardly,  however,  was 
the  expedition  under  way  the  next  morning,  when  the  cavalry 
in  the  advance  ran  into  some  of  Mosby's  men  and  immediately 
retreated  upon  the  wagons.  The  Bucktails,  lying  in  their  place 

1  Probably  the  best  account  of  this  raid  is  that  written  by  Colonel 
Mosby  himself,  published  in  the  "Bedford  Magazine"  in  1892,  and  re 
printed  in  "Mosby's  Rangers"  by  Jas.   J.  Williamson,  p.  34-36.      The 
capture  ruined  General  Stoughton,  who  had  only  been  nominated  Briga 
dier-General  and  who  on  account  of  the  resultant  ridicule  was  forced 
to  abandon  military  life. 

2  From  the  First  Rhode  Island. 


248  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAIUB 

fio  March  1863 

of  concealment,  heard  the  cavalry  come  racing  back,  and  natur 
ally  inferred  that  the  guerrillas  were  in  full  pursuit.  Leaping  to 
their  feet,  they  threw  back  the  curtains  of  the  wagons  and 
blazed  away.  Instantly  the  Confederates  realized  the  trap  set 
for  them,  and  not  being  too  near  to  prevent  such  action, 
wheeled  and  made  good  their  escape.  The  hook  having  been 
seen,  it  was  not  to  be  expected  that  the  prey  would  bite  a  sec 
ond  time;  so  the  wagons  were  reluctantly  headed  for  Fairfax 
and  the  return  commenced.  Though  the  men  were  deprived 
of  the  company  of  Mosby  or  his  men,  they  were  accompanied 
by  numerous  chickens,  ducks  and  various  other  delicacies  that 
had  been  confiscated;  nor  should  it  be  believed  that  all  such 
booty  was  turned  over  to  the  Commissary  Department,  unless 
by  the  Commissary  Department  is  understood,  hollows  scooped 
in  the  earth  beneath  sundry  mattresses  in  various  tents.1 

The  Union  troops  being  engaged  in  digging  and  throwing 
up  rifle  pits,  the  Bucktails  had  to  do  their  share  of  this  work. 
Regimental  inspections  became  more  frequent,  squads  were  fre 
quently  detailed  for  scouting,  and  a  hundred  and  one  other 
duties  fell  to  their  lot.2  Some  of  them  also  got  into  trouble 
over  an  unauthorized  flag  raising  and  suffered  through  the  ire 
of  General  St.  Clair. 

Their  pay  was  distributed  pretty  regularly,  and  accounts 

1  Colonel  Mosby  in  his  "Mosby's  War  Reminiscences,"  p.  46,  refers 
sarcastically  to  this  expedition,  and  compares  it  to  the  Wooden  Horse 
of  Ulysses.     He  is,  however,  in  error  when  he  states  that  while  the 
wagons  were  away  he  had  gone  by  another  route  to  Fairfax  and  never 
saw  them;  for  he  did  not  appear  at  Fairfax  again  on  the  9th,  or  on  the 
roth,  and  the  expedition  was  in  contact  with  his  men  on  the  latter  date. 
The  Orderly-Sergeant  of  Company  F  was  one  of  the  detail;   hence  he  is 
in  position  to  speak  from  personal  knowledge. 

2  "Digging    graves    for    dead    horses";    "cutting    wood";    "drawing 
"rations,"  and   "target  shooting"   for  a  prize  of  50  cents,  offered  by 
Colonel  Taylor,   are  the  most  prominent  of  the  entries   in  the  diaries 
about  this  time. 


IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON  249 

1863  March-June] 

were  generally  settled  at  such  times.  Many  of  the  men  were 
careful  and  sent  home  the  bulk  of  their  money;  in  fact 
some  of  them  seem  to  have  bought  not  only  teams,  but  farms, 
while  in  the  army,  though  such  purchases  cannot  have  been 
made  entirely  through  their  pay;  others  were  perpetually  in 
debt.  There  were  many  in  the  regiment  who  made  no  charge 
for  loans,  but  others  increased  their  earnings  through  such 
means.  Curiously  enough,  instead  of  a  percentage  being 
charged,  as  far  as  can  be  seen  by  existing  records,  fifty  cents 
was  the  charge  made,  irrespective  of  whether  the  advance  was 
two  or  five  dollars.  It  is  plain  at  any  rate  that  subsequent  to 
pay-day,  fresh  meat  was  plentiful  in  the  camp  and  that  "shy" 
players  at  poker  were  rare. 

Occasionally  the  men  received  papers  and  novels ;  but  the 
conduct  and  progress  of  the  war  proved  to  be  the  chief  theme  of 
interest.  The  reports  of  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  fought 
during  the  early  days  of  May,  were  a  great  disappointment  to 
the  camp,1  and  shook  the  belief  not  only  of  the  army  but  of  the 
country  in  the  ability  of  General  Hooker. 

On  the  1 5th  of  May  the  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth 
Pennsylvania  presented  the  regiment  with  a  magnificent  flag 
to  replace  the  one  lost  in  the  Chickahominy  swamp.  This  was 
an  exceedingly  graceful  action  and  much  appreciated.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  Major  Stone  and  Captain  Wister  had  left 
the  regiment  to  recruit  others,  while  at  Harrison's  Land 
ing;  Major  Stone  had  been  elected  Colonel  of  the  One-Hun 
dred-and-Forty-Ninth  Pennsylvania,  and  Captain  Wister  Col 
onel  of  the  One-Hundred-and-Fiftieth  Pennsylvania;  and  both 

1  Fought  May  3-4,  1863,  under  the  direction  of  General  Hooker. 
Commencing  brilliantly,  the  tactical  advantages  gained  were  not  fol 
lowed  up,  and  the  battle  ended  in  a  virtual  defeat  for  the  Union  forces. 
The  losses  were  announced  as:  Union,  17,197;  Confederate,  13,019,  but 
the  Confederate  figures  are  probably  not  accurate. 


250  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[March- June   1863 

these  regiments  had  received  authority  to  wear  bucktails.  Hence 
there  was  a  fitness  in  the  new  Bucktails  giving  a  flag  to  the  old ; 
nor  had  the  unfortunate  feeling  in  regard  to  the  insignia  crys- 
talized  at  that  time. 

While  at  Fairfax  the  regiment  was  reorganized.  The  State 
Legislature  passed  a  bill,  approved  February  27,  1863,  author 
izing  the  Governor  to  issue  commissions  to  fill  the  vacancies 
in  the  several  regiments  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Volun 
teer  Corps,  in  the  same  manner  as  similar  vacancies  were  filled 
in  other  Pennsylvania  volunteer  regiments :  providing  that  such 
appointments  were  made  from  members  of  the  Corps.  Gover 
nor  Curtin  acted  promptly,  and  the  chief  commissions  issued 
were  as  follows  :* 

FIEU>  AND  STAFF  OFFICERS:  Charles  Frederick  Taylor, 
Captain  of  Company  H,  was  promoted  to  Colonel ;  Edward  A. 
Irvin,  Captain  of  Company  K,  was  promoted  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  and  Alanson  E.  Niles,  Captain  of  Company  E,  was 
promoted  to  Major.  Captain  Irvin's  wounds  made  it  impossi 
ble  for  him  to  be  mustered  and  he  was  forced  to  ask  for  his 
discharge,  an  act  the  necessity  for  which  was  deplored,  not 
only  by  his  brother  officers,  but  by  the  men  also.2  Major  Niles 
was  then  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel,  Adjutant  Harts- 
horne  was  promoted  to  Major  and  Sergeant-Major  Roger  Sher- 

xThe  actual  dates  are  shown  in  the  muster  rolls.  A  few,  as  there 
shown,  were  made  prior  to  the  passage  of  the  act.  It  has  not  been 
deemed  necessary  to  insert  in  this  place  the  minor  promotions,  nor 
intermediate  appointments,  i.  e.,  appointments  such  as  one  to  a  Second- 
Lieutenancy,  followed  immediately  by  promotion  to  a  First-Lieu 
tenancy. 

2  He  did  not  permit  his  withdrawal  to  affect  his  interest  in  the 
regiment.  Both  during  the  continuation  of  its  militant  existence,  and 
since  its  muster  out,  Colonel  Irvin  has  been  active  and  prominent  in 
all  its  affairs. 


IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON  251 

1863  March-June] 

man  promoted  to  Adjutant.1  Dr.  Freeman  had  resigned  in 
October,  1862,  and  Dr.  Jonathan  A.  Comfort  was  appointed 
Surgeon  in  his  place. 

Of  the  Assistant-Surgeons,  Dr.  W.  T.  Humphreys  had  been 
promoted  to  Surgeon  of  the  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth 
Pennsylvania.2  Dr.  W.  B.  Jones  had  resigned  November  ist, 
1862,  and  Dr.  Daniel  O.  Crouch  resigned  June  loth,  i863,3  so 
that  the  medical  staff  now  consisted  of  Dr.  Comfort  only. 

1  Roger  Sherman  was  a  son  of  Conger  Sherman,  the  head  of  the 
well-known  printing  house,  and  was  born  in  1840.     After  finishing  his 
education  he  entered  his  father's  house,  serving  both  as  compositor  and 
printer. 

After  enlisting  in  the  Bucktail  regiment  he  was  elected  Sergeant- 
Major,  and  on  May  23,  1863,  promoted  to  Adjutant.  He  resigned  on 
March  16,  1864,  and  Major  Hartshorne  in  command  of  the  regiment 
in  accepting  his  resignation  (Reg't  orders  19)  bore  witness  to  his  faith 
ful  and  zealous  service,  and  to  his  regret  at  parting  with  such  an 
officer. 

During  the  war  he  kept  a  diary  and  wrote  a  history  of  the  reg 
iment  which  he  presented  to  Justin  R.  Sypher,  for  use  in  connection 
with  the  preparation  of  the  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Vol- 
"unteer  Corps."  Mr.  Sypher,  on  page  442  of  that  book,  acknowledges 
his  indebtedness  to  the  information  contained  in  the  manuscript.  Un 
fortunately,  a  search  made  for  the  manuscript  has  proved  unavailing. 

Subsequently  to  the  war  Adjutant  Sherman  returned  to  his  father's 
printery,  and  in  1867  or  1869  succeeded  him  as  the  head  of  the  estab 
lishment.  He  became  the  owner  and  publisher  of  the  Encyclopaedia 
Britannica,  American  reprint,  Ninth  Edition,  from  May  i,  1883,  and  car 
ried  its  publication  and  sale  with  his  business,  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  August  25,  1886. 

2  Dr.    Humphreys    was   one   of   the    first   of   the    Bucktails.     While 
with  the  I49th  Pennsylvania  at  Chancellorsville,  he  was  promoted  to 
brigade-surgeon.    At  Gettysburg  his  hospital  was  captured  by  the  Con 
federates,  but  the  Doctor  was  released  the  day  following  the  battle.     In 
1865-1866  and  1874-1876  he  served  in  the  Pennsylvania  House  of  Rep 
resentatives.     His  death  occurred  in  1897. 

3  It  will  be  remembered  that  Dr.  Crouch  was  wounded  while  pre 
paring  to  operate  upon  Private  Jackson  at  Fredericksburg.     Besides  his 
professional  skill,  his  sympathy  with  and  kindness  to  his  patients  had 
made  him  universally  beloved.     The  announcement  of  his   resignation 
was  received  with  deep  regret. 


252  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII^S 

[March-June   1863 

Chaplain  W.  H.  D.  Hatton,  who  in  addition  to  his  spiritual 
duties  had  always  been  willing  to  carry  ammunition,  tend  the 
sick,  or  to  do  anything  else  within  his  abilities,  had  resigned 
on  account  of  impaired  health,  and  this  position  remained 
vacant.  Quartermaster  Henry  D.  Patton  was  promoted  to 
Captain  and  Acting  Quartermaster,  United  States  Volunteers, 
and  Lucius  Truman,  First-Lieutenant  Company  E,  was  ap 
pointed  Quartermaster.1 

COMPANY  OFFICERS. 
COMPANY  A. — John  A.  Harrower, 2  First-Lieutenant,  was 

1  Lucius  Truman  was  born  April  18,  1818,  at  Oswego,  N.  Y.  His 
father,  Asa  Truman,  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  and  general  merchan 
dise  business,  and  after  graduating  from  the  Oswego  Academy,  Lucius 
Truman  was  associated  with  him.  In  1840  he  married  Miss  Mary  P. 
Leach,  and  entered  into  a  business  partnership  with  William  A.  Stone. 
Shortly  after  he  removed  to  the  Pennsylvania  lumber  regions,  where  he 
engaged  in  business  with  John  R.  Bowen  till  1857,  when,  owing  to  a 
financial  panic,  the  firm  was  dissolved.  Moving  to  Philadelphia,  he 
remained  there  till  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  assisted  in  raising  volun 
teers  and  was  elected  ist-Lieutenant  of  Company  E,  of  the  Bucktails. 
On  March  i,  1863,  he  was  promoted  to  Quartermaster,  and  when  his 
term  of  service  expired  re-enlisted  in  the  iQOth,  continuing  as  Quarter 
master  till  mustered  out,  June  28,  1865. 

Subsequently  to  the  war  he  again  went  into  business  with  Mr. 
Bowen,  but  in  1883  was  appointed  Deputy  Collector  of  Internal  Rev 
enue.  In  1887  he  was  elected  County  Auditor,  and  for  some  years 
was  Crier  of  the  Courts.  His  death  occurred  at  Wellsboro,  May  23, 
1890. 

2  John  G.  Harrower  was  born  on  December  10,  1838,  at  Lindley, 
Steuben  County,  N.  Y.  He  attended  the  public  schools  there,  and  at 
Lawrenceville,  Pa.,  also  taking  a  commercial  course  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Upon  the  outbreak  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  the  company  recruited 
by  Philip  Holland,  which  became  Company  A,  of  the  Bucktails,  and 
was  elected  ist-Lieutenant.  After  the  death  of  Captain  Holland  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  he  commanded  the  company  at  Second  Bull 
Run,  South  Mountain,  Antietam  and  Fredericksburg.  He  was  com 
missioned  Captain,  March  i,  1863,  but  resigned  on  June  22,  1863,  to 
become  Adjutant  of  the  i6ist  New  York,  of  which  regiment  his 
uncle,  Gabriel  T.  Harrower,  was  Colonel.  He  remained  with  this 
regiment  till  September,  1865. 

Subsequently  to  the  war  he  married,  engaged  in  the  lumber  business 


IN  CAMP  NSAR  WASHINGTON  253 

1863  March-June] 

promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Philip  Holland,  who  was  killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads.  First-Lieutenant  Neri  B.  Kinsey, 
being  appointed  Captain  of  Company  C,  First- Sergeant  Edward 
B.  Leonard  was  appointed  First-Lieutenant  in  his  place,  and 
Private  Daniel  Orcutt  was  promoted  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  B. — Thomas  B.  Lewis,1  was  promoted  to  Cap 
tain,  vice  Captain  Wister,  who  had  been  promoted  to  Colonel 
of  the  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers.  Sergeant  Philip  E.  Keiser  was  promoted  to  First-Lieu 
tenant  and  Sergeant  Joel  R.  Sparr  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  C. — Neri  B.  Kinsey,2  formerly  First-Lieutenant, 

with  Cameron  and  Hamilton,  at  Flint,  Michigan,  and  later  in  Wiscon 
sin.  While  on  a  visit  east  in  July,  1899,  he  was  taken  ill  and  died  at 
the  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Home,  at  Bath,  N.  Y.,  on  July  24,  1889. 

Thomas  B.  Lewis  was  born  in  Duncannon,  Pa.,  July  25,  1837. 
Educated  in  the  public  schools,  he  also  learned  the  trades  of  blacksmith 
and  nailer,  acquiring  great  efficiency  in  each.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
to  enroll  himself  as  a  member  of  the  "Morgan  Rifles,"  which,  under 
the  Captaincy  of  Langhorne  Wister,  became  Company  B,  of  the  regi 
ment.  Appointed  ist-Sergeant,  it  was  not  long  before  he  was  advanced 
in  rank,  for,  on  December  12,  1861,  he  was  commissioned  2nd-Lieu- 
tenant.  Taken  prisoner  at  Games'  Mill,  he  was  paroled  and  subse 
quently  exchanged.  He  remained  with  the  regiment  till  its  term  of 
service  expired,  when  in  civil  life  he  became  connected  with  the  Penn 
sylvania  Railroad.  True  to  his  early  training,  his  love  of  hunting  and 
fishing  obtained  for  him  a  wide  reputation. 

Bates  gives  the  date  of  his  commission  as  Captain  as  September 
16,  1862.  With  the  condition  resulting  from  conflicting  laws  and  or 
ders,  it  is  probable  that  he  did  not  receive  his  official  commission  until 
after  the  passage  of  the  act  of  February  27,  1863. 

2  Neri  B.  Kinsey  was  born  in  Watertown,  Jefferson  County,  N.  Y., 
January  29,  1836,  but  his  father  moving  to  Lawrenceville,  Tioga  County, 
Pa.,  he  was  educated  in  the  district  schools,  and  later  at  the  Academy, 
at  that  place.  Previous  to  the  outbreak  of  the  war  he  read  law  under 
the  late  Kasson  Parkhurst,  of  Lawrenceville.  Enlisting  under  Captain 
Holland,  as  a  private  in  the  "Anderson  Life  Guards,"  he  was  pro 
moted  to  2nd-Sergeant.  When  this  organization  became  Company  A, 
he  was  elected  and  commissioned,  2nd-Lieutenant.  He  was  promoted 
to  ist-Lieutenant  June  30,  1862,  assigned  to  Quartermaster's  Depart- 


254  HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAILS 

[March-June   1863 

Company  A,  was  promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Gifford, 
who  resigned  on  account  of  wounds  received  during  the  Val 
ley  campaign.  First-Sergeant  J.  Wood  Craven  was  promoted 
to  First-Lieutenant,  and  Moses  W.  Lucore  to  Second-Lieuten 
ant. 

COMPANY  D. — First-Lieutenant  D.  G.  McNaughton  was 
promoted  to  Captain,  vice  John  T.  A.  Jewett,  resigned ;  Second- 
Lieutenant  Ribero  D.  Hall  to  First-Lieutenant  and  Sergeant 
Robert  Hall  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  E. — Second-Lieutenant  Samuel  A.  Mack  was 
promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Alanson  E.  Niles,  promoted 
to  Major.  Sergeant  George  A.  Ludlow  was  promoted  to  First  - 
Lieutenant  and  Sergeant  William  Taylor  to  Second-Lieutenant.1 

COMPANY  F. — Second-Lieutenant  John  A.  Wolfe,2  Com 
ment  December  i,  1862,  to  act  as  Regimental  Quartermaster,  and  then 
promoted  to  Captain,  Company  C,  March  i,  1863.  Re-enlisting  in  the 
iQOth,  he  retained  his  rank,  being  commissioned  Captain  of  Company  C 
of  that  regiment,  was  brevetted  Major  October  i,  1864,  for  "gallant 
"services  at  Chapel  House,  Va.,"  commissioned  Major  by  brevet  of  U.  S. 
Volunteers  to  rank  from  March  13,  1865,  for  "gallant  conduct  at  Gettys 
burg,"  and  discharged  March  u,  1865.  Wounded  slightly  at  Gettysburg, 
he  suffered  more  severely  at  Spottsylvania,  a  Minnie  ball  passing  through 
both  thighs,  hitting  the  bone  in  each  case.  At  Chapel  House,  Va.,  both 
feet  were  injured  by  a  shell,  partially  crippling  him.  Subsequently  to 
the  war,  Major  Kinsey  engaged  in  mercantile  business,  and  in  1891  was 
appointed  Post-Master  of  Saginaw,  Mich.  In  1890  the  Major  went  to 
the  State  of  Washington  and  secured  160  acres  of  land  from  the  Gov 
ernment,  partially  by  occupation  and  partly  through  credit  obtained  by 
war  record.  His  pension  reads,  "Totally  incapacitated  for  any  manual 
"labor  whatever." 

1  Bates  gives  dates  of  commission  as  September  10,  1862.     The  dis 
pute  between  State  and  military  authorities  again  is  the  cause  of  the 
probable  inaccuracy. 

2  John  A.  Wolfe  was  born  March,  1840,  and  was  educated  at  Boals- 
burg,   Pa.     He  enlisted  as   a  private  under  General   Kane,  when  the 
latter  was  recruiting  his  companies   in  the  lumber  districts  of  Penn 
sylvania.     He  was    made   Sergeant   of   Company   G,   and  promoted  to 
2nd-Lieutenant  on  April  23,  1862.     Upon  the  discharge  of  Captain  Me- 


IN  CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON  255 

1863  March-June] 

pany  G,  was  promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Dennis  McGee, 
discharged.  Second-Lieutenant  Ernest  Wright x  was  promoted 
to  First-Lieutenant  and  Sergeant  Daniel  Blett,  of  Company 
K,  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  G. — Sergeant  John  L.  Luther  was  promoted  to 
Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  H. — First-Lieutenant  John  D.  Yerkes  *  was  pro 
moted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Taylor,  promoted  to  Colonel. 
Sergeant  Thomas  J.  Roney  was  promoted  to  First-Lieutenant, 
and  Sergeant  Robert  Maxwell  to  Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  I. — First-Lieutenant  Frank  J.  Bell 3  was  pro- 
Gee,  of  Company  F,  Wolfe  was  promoted  to  Captain  of  that  company 
— ist-Lieutenant  May  2,  1863 — Captain  May  4,  1863.  When  the  reg 
iment  was  mustered  out  he  re-enlisted  in  the  iox>th,  being  promoted 
to  Major.  He  was  wounded  at  Petersburg  June  17,  1864,  and  mustered 
out  with  his  regiment  June  28,  1865. 

Subsequently  to  the  war  he  engaged  in  mercantile  business  at  Snow 
Shoe,  Pa.,  Philipsburg,  Pa.,  and  Patton,  Pa.  After  he  had  resided  at 
the  latter  place  for  four  years,  being  troubled  with  his  heart  he  re 
moved  to  Mt.  Lake  Park,  Md.,  where  he  died  on  May  2,  1899.  He  was 
a  Free  Mason,  and  in  1897  was  president  of  the  Regimental  Association 
of  the  Bucktails. 

1  Bates  gives  date  of  commission  as  2nd-Lieutenant  as   September 
14,  1862. 

2  John   Dull   Yerkes  was   born   October  28,    1833,   at   New   Garden, 
Chester  County,  Pa.     Educated  at  Marietta,  Pa.,  after  attaining  man 
hood  he  engaged  in  farming,  but  upon  the  outbreak  of  the  war  speedily 
enrolled  himself  in  the  company  recruited  by  Captain  Taylor.    Originally 
Orderly-Sergeant,  he  was  elected   ist-Lieutenant  in   1861.      During  the 
absence  of  Captain  Taylor,  he  commanded  Company  H,  and  upon  the 
latter's  return  and  subsequent  elevation  to  the  Colonelcy,  succeeded  him 
as    Captain,   being   wounded   in   the   first   battle   after   his   promotion — 
Gettysburg.     Discharged  July  n,  1864,  he  was  brevetted  Major,  March 

13,  1865.     Subsequently  to  the  war  for  seventeen  years  he  was  superin 
tendent  of  Franklin  Square,  Philadelphia,  dying  in  that  city  March  16, 
1895. 

8  Frank  J.  Bell  was  born  in  Ceres,  Allegheny  County,  N.  Y.,  April 

14,  1836.     He  was  a  member  of  the  "McKean  Rifles,"  and  when  that 
organization  became  Company  I  of  the  regiment,  he  was  elected   ist- 


256  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[March- June   1863 

moted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Blanchard,  who  resigned  on 
account  of  wounds.  Second-Lieutenant  R.  Fenton  Ward  was 
promoted  to  First-Lieutenant  and  Sergeant  Richard  A.  Rice  to 
Second-Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  K. — Second-Lieutenant  James  M.  Welch1  was 
promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Captain  Irvin,  discharged  on  account 
of  wounds.  Sergeant  John  P.  Bard  was  promoted  to  First- 
Lieutenant,  and  Sergeant  John  E.  Kratzer  to  Second-Lieuten 
ant. 

The  effort  made  to  recruit  the  numerical  strength  of  the 
regiment  had  little  effect.  Lieutenant  Winslow,  of  Company  B, 
and  Quartermaster  Truman,  who  were  sent  home  with  that 
object  in  view,  accomplished  practically  nothing.  A  certain 
number  returned  from  the  hospitals,  but  to  offset  them,  others 
were  discharged.  Still,  if  the  ranks  were  depleted,  the  men 

Lieutenant.  At  Antietam  he  was  wounded  in  the  right  breast,  and  be 
came  Captain,  March  I,  1863.  Losing  a  leg  at  Gettysburg,  he  was  dis 
charged  on  October  19,  1863.  He  was  brevetted  Major,  and  served  in 
the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  being  mustered  out  June  30,  1866.  Subse 
quently  he  studied  law,  being  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Supreme  Court 
in  the  District  of  Columbia,  October  26,  1869.  His  death  occurred  at 
Washington  on  April  I,  1894. 

1  James  Miles  Welch  was  born  February  I4th,  1836,  near  Curwens- 
ville,  Pa.  Like  many  of  the  officers  of  the  regiment,  his  boyhood 
was  spent  in  the  farming  and  lumber  districts  of  the  State.  A  true  son  of 
the  soil  he  attended  the  common  schools  of  Pike  and  Lawrence  townships, 
Clearfield  County.  He  assisted  Captain  Irvin  and  Adjutant  Hartshorne 
to  recruit  Company  K.  As  2nd-Lieutenant,  though  in  reality  filling 
the  position  of  ist-Lieutenant,  he  was  captured  at  Mechanicsville. 
After  Captain  Irvin  was  wounded  at  South  Mountain  he  commanded 
his  company  till  he  was  wounded  at  Antietam,  a  ball  passing  through 
his  breast  and  left  lung,  totally  destroying  the  latter.  Though  promoted 
to  Captain  on  March  21,  1863,  he  was  compelled  through  physical  dis 
ability  to  accept  a  transfer  to  the  2Oth  regiment,  Veteran  Reserve 
corps  on  June  28,  1863.  Since  his  return  to  civil  life,  Captain  Welch  has 
returned  to  his  previous  occupation  of  farming,  residing  at  the  present 
time  in  Republic  City,  Kansas. 


IN  CAMP  NKAR  WASHINGTON  257 

1863  March-June] 

were  happy  in  being  again  intelligently  and  completely  officered, 
and  when  the  time  came  to  take  the  field  once  more,  in  the 
latter  part  of  June,  they  moved  forward  full  of  enthusiasm, 
confident  of  their  ability  to  do  that  which  should  be  required  of 
them. 


18 


THE    PENNSYLVANIA    INVASION. 

II. 

GETTYSBU  RG  . 


After  the  Confederates  under  Lee  had  forced  the  Union 
army  to  assume  position  on  the  north  side  of  the  Rappahan- 
nock,  their  best  plan  apparently  was  to  assume  a  tactical  of 
fensive.  A  purely  defensive  attitude  cannot  be  maintained 
indefinitely  with  any  prospect  of  ultimate  success ;  and  while 
the  actual  invasion  of  Pennsylvania  was  probably  ill-advised, 
a  campaign  that  would  force  the  Union  army  to  withdraw  be 
hind  the  Potomac  was  justified  by  the  soundest  military  judg 
ment. 

Hence,  Lee  commenced  to  dispose  his  troops  in  accord 
ance  with  his  plans.  The  route  north  lay  either  up  the  Shenan- 
doah  Valley  or  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge.  He  had  reorganized 
his  army  into  three  corps,  commanded  respectively  by  Long- 
street,  Hill  and  Ewell ;  and  on  the  3ist  of  May  these  corps  con 
tained  88,754  men,  of  whom  68,352  were  ready  for  duty.1 

To  oppose  him  Hooker  had  but  some  80,000  men;  the 
diminution  being  largely  caused  by  the  mustering  out  of  sol 
diers  enlisted  for  short  terms. 

During  the  Gettysburg  campaign  the  Union  forces  were 
organized  in  seven  corps,  and  as  there  was  not  very  much  dif 
ference  in  the  total  numerical  strength  of  the  contending 

1  "The  Campaigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,"  by  William  Swin- 
ton,  p.  310. 


BUCKTAII,  MONUMENT,  GETTYSBURG,  PA. 


GETTYSBURG  259 

1863  June  24] 

armies,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  a  Confederate  corps 
had  slightly  over  double  the  strength  of  a  Union  corps ;  a  Con 
federate  division  slightly  over  double  the  strength  of  a  Union 
division,  etc. 

Lee  sent  Swell's  corps  up  the  Shenandoah  Valley  while 
Longstreet's  corps  moved  up  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  Hill's 
division  being  retained,  at  first,  near  Fredericksburg.  Ewell 
ousted  the  Union  troops  under  General  Milroy  from  Winches 
ter,  June  1 5th;  crossed  the  Potomac  June  iQth,  two  of  his 
divisions  reaching  Chambersburg  on  the  23rd.  Longstreet, 
who  had  fallen  back  behind  the  Shenandoah,  crossed  the  Poto 
mac  at  William  sport  on  June  24th,  and  Hill  crossed  at  Shep- 
herdstown  on  the  same  date.  The  invasion  was  a  reality. 

Hooker  appears  to  have  been  satisfied  at  the  beginning  of 
the  campaign  to  move  parallel  with  the  line  of  Lee's  advance, 
with  the  idea  of  striking  at  his  communications  with  Richmond 
when  a  favorable  opportunity  should  present  itself.  His  vari 
ous  corps  he  therefore  ordered  to  converge  upon  Frederick. 

In  Pennsylvania  the  situation  created  a  condition  bordering 
upon  panic.  Carlisle  was  occupied1  and  Harrisburg  menaced.2 
The  Governor  called  for  militia  and  preparations  were  made  to 
resist  an  attack  on  the  State  capital. 

The  Bucktails  lying  at  Washington,  with  the  other  regi 
ments  of  their  division,  heard  with  mingled  astonishment  and 
indignation,  the  reports  that  left  no  doubt  that  it  was  the  inten 
tion  of  the  enemy  to  invade  their  native  State.  They  impor 
tuned  their  officers  to  lead  them  to  defend  their  homes,  and  one 
of  the  regiments3  presented  a  formal  petition  to  that  effect  to 
their  Brigade  Commander.  If  the  men  were  anxious  to  be  led, 

1  By  Ewell  on  the  27th. 

'Jenkins  was  only  13  miles  away  on  the  27th. 

3  The  2nd. 


260  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[25  June  1863 

Corps  Commanders  were  anxious  to  make  use  of  their  services ; 
General  Reynolds,  commanding  the  First  corps,  and  General 
Meade,  commanding  the  Fifth  corps,  having  both  made  efforts 
to  obtain  the  division.     Ultimately  orders  were  issued,  directing 
the  First  and  Third  brigades1  to  report  to  General  Meade. 
Leaving  camp  on  the  afternoon  of  June  25th,  they  marched 
towards  Leesburg/  and  on  the  27th  crossed  the  Potomac,  join 
ing  the  Fifth  corps  at  Frederick  on  the  28th ;  but,  before  they 
reached  that  city  they  received  information  that  General  Meade 
had  succeeded  General  Hooker  in  command,  and  that  General 
George  Sykes  had  succeeded  General  Meade  in  command  of  the 
Fifth  corps.     The  division  organization  was  as  follows : 
Third  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 
Brig.-Gen.  Samuel  W.  Crawford. 
First  Brigade.  Third  Brigade. 

Col.  William  McCandless  Colonel  Joseph  W.  Fisher. 

1st  Penna.  Reserves  5th  Penna.  Reserves 

2nd  Penna.  Reserves  9th  Penna.  Reserves 

6th  Penna.  Reserves  loth  Penna.  Reserves 

1 3th  Penna.  Reserves  nth  Penna.  Reserves 

(Bucktails)  I2th  Penna.  Reserves 

Artillery. 

ist  New  York  Light  Battery  C. 
ist  Ohio  Light  Battery  L. 
5th  United  States,  Battery  D. 
5th  United  States,  Battery  I.1 

At  this  time  the  regiment  assumed,  for  the  first  time,  the 
Blue  Maltese  Cross,  the  badge  of  the  Third  division  of  the  Fifth 

1  The  2nd  brigade  was  retained  near  Washington. 

*  June  25  to  Vienna ;  June  26  to  near  Edward's  Ferry. 

'O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  i.,  p.  162. 


GETTYSBURG  261 

1863  July   i] 

corps  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  nor  did  it  relinquish  it  until, 
its  term  of  service  expired,  it  was  mustered  out.1 

General  Meade,  on  assuming  command  of  the  army,  lost 
no  time  in  attempting  reorganization,  but  put  the  army  in 
motion.  The  Bucktails  marched  on  the  2Qth  some  distance 
beyond  Frederick ;  crossed  the  Monocacy ;  and  on  the  3Oth  ad 
vanced  to  Uniontown.  On  July  1st  the  march  was  resumed  to 
the  Pennsylvania  line,  where  a  halt  was  made.  At  dark  ammu 
nition  was  distributed  and  the  regiment  ordered  to  move  at  the 
double  quick.  Stopping  at  Cherry  Hill,  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  2nd,  they  were  ordered  to  Gettysburg,  reaching  the  rear 
of  the  battle-field  about  noon.1  While  on  this  march  Captain 
Welch,  of  Company  K,  was  so  severely  troubled  with  the 
wound  that  he  had  received  while  Lieutenant  at  Antietam, 
that  he  was  forced  to  leave  the  regiment,  being  shortly  after 
transferred  to  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  Exeedingly  popu 
lar  with  the  men  in  his  company,  they  saw  him  depart  with 
regret.  Lieutenant  Bard  then  became  the  ranking  officer  of  the 
company,  and  continued  so  until  it  was  mustered  out. 

The  battle  of  Gettysburg  commenced  on  July  ist;  and  as 
the  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  was  ordered  into  action 
at  a  critical  moment  on  the  second  day,  it  is  necessary  to  survey 

*ist  division,  Red  Maltese  cross  on  white  ground;  2nd  division, 
White  Maltese  cross  on  blue  ground;  3rd  division,  Blue  Maltese  cross 
on  white  ground. 

2  Continuous  marching  saps  the  vitality  of  troops,  possibly  even 
more  rapidly  than  fighting.  The  country  through  which  the  regiment 
was  marching  renders  exact  computations  of  distance  exceedingly  diffi 
cult.  Air  line  distances  are  obviously  ridiculous ;  nor  are  railroad  routes 
much  more  accurate.  Estimates  taken  from  diaries  show  that  the  regi 
ment  covered  30  miles  on  June  26;  15  miles  June  28;  20  miles  June 
29,  18  miles  June  20;  and  15  miles  July  i.  The  bulk  of  the  27th  of 
June  was  occupied  crossing  the  Potomac. 


262  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTMLS 

[i  July   1863 

roughly  the  condition  of  the  field  at  the  time  they  moved  for 
ward. 

In  the  majority  of  great  battles  the  bulk  of  the  troops  on 
each  side  are  concentrated  both  for  the  attack  and  the  defense 
before  the  action  commences ;  but  Gettysburg  may  be  described 
as  a  battle  which  commenced  at  the  moment  that  the  van-guard 
of  the  Union  forces  came  into  contact  with  two  of  the  enemy's 
brigades.1 

Neither  can  the  ground  be  said  to  have  been  selected,  in  the 
true  sense  of  the  word,  by  either  side.  Meade  knew  that  the 
Confederates  were  converging  on  Gettysburg  and  therefore  he 
sent  Reynolds  forward.  Lee  had  ordered  his  columns  to 
advance  towards  that  point.  The  temper  of  both  forces  pre 
cluded  retreat,  hence  collision  was  inevitable.  The  moment 
that  the  two  advances  met  fighting  commenced.  General 
Reynolds,  strong  in  the  confidence  placed  in  him  by  his  com 
mander,  did  not  hesitate ;  with  wonderful  intuition  he  recog 
nized  the  line  that  should  be  held  by  the  Union  army  against 
the  invaders  and  gave  instructions  for  the  placing  of  General 
Howard's  corps  on  Cemetery  Ridge.  Thus  to  a  former  com 
mander  of  the  brigade  to  which  the  Bucktails  were  attached  is 
due  the  seizure  of  the  position  which  made  possible  the  repulse 
of  the  Confederates.2  With  the  first  day's  fight  this  narrative 
has  nothing  to  do.  It  was  fought  to  the  northwest  and  west 
of  the  town;  the  troops  as  they  arrived  being  hastily  thrown 

1  Archer's  and  Davis's,  at  9  A.  M.  July  ist. 

2  Captain    Rosengarten,    a    member    of    General    Reynolds'    staff,    is 
quoted   by   General   Doubleday    ("Chancellorsville   and    Gettysburg,"   p. 
127)   as  authority  for  the  statement  that  General  Reynolds  did  actually 
order  that   Howard's   corps   should  be  formed   on   the   ridge.     To  the 
writer,  Captain  Rosengarten  has  stated  that  General  Doubleday  has  not 
misquoted  him. 


GETTYSBURG  263 

1863  July  2] 

into  action.  By  the  ensuing  morning  the  major  portion  of  both 
armies  had  reached  the  field  and  been  assigned  to  their  posi 
tions.1  The  woods  to  the  west  and  northwest  of  the  town  had 
been  seized  by  the  Confederates,  who  had  also  occupied  the 
town  itself;  but  the  Union  army  placed  along  Cemetery  Ridge 
stood  at  bay  across  the  path  of  the  enemy. 

This  ridge  of  hills  or  heights  runs  southward  from  Gettys 
burg,  terminating  in  two  hills  called  respectively  Little  Round 
Top  and  Round  Top :  a  valley  intervening  between  the  southern 
side  of  Cemetery  Ridge  and  northern  side  of  Little  Round  Top, 
and  another  between  the  southern  side  of  Little  Round  Top 
and  northern  side  of  Round  Top.  The  northern  end  of  the 
ridge  is  close  to  the  town  of  Gettysburg,  but  bends  back,  in  the 
form  of  a  horseshoe,  terminating  in  a  hill  known  as  Gulp's 
Hill.  A  mile  to  the  west  is  a  ridge,  known  as  Seminary  Ridge, 
running  generally  parallel  to  Cemetery  Ridge  and  the  Round 
Tops,  and  along  this  ridge  the  Confederate  army  was  posted, 
a  portion  of  their  force,  however,  being  so  disposed  as  to  cover 
that  portion  of  Cemetery  Ridge  which  curves  back  and  termi 
nates  in  Gulp's  Hill.  Hence  it  will  be  seen  that  the  opposing 
armies,  for  the  most  part,  faced  each  other  on  parallel  ridges, 

1  The  positions  of  the  contending  troops  on  the  first  day  render  the 
battlefield  very  confusing  to  the  casual  visitor.  The  positions  of  the 
troops  on  the  second  and  third  days,  however,  were  to  a  large  extent, 
unchanged,  and  eliminating  the  first  day's  fight,  can  be  readily  grasped. 
It  was  at  one  time  the  fashion  to  belittle  the  first  day's  contest;  but,  it 
is  doubtful  whether  any  more  severe  fighting  took  place  during  the  three 
days,  than  that  in  the  woods,  near  where  Reynolds  fell.  Nor  should  it 
ever  be  forgotten  that  it  was  this  hard  fighting  that  made  possible  the 
posting  of  the  Union  forces  upon  Cemetery  Ridge,  and  that  the  pos 
session  of  this  ridge  was  secured  by  the  foresight  of  General  Reynolds, 
who  had  been  both  brigade  and  division  commander  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserve  corps. 


264  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  July   1863 

the  Confederate  line  being  extended  sufficiently  to  cover  the 
flank  of  the  Union  right  and  also  to  threaten  the  left.  In  fact, 
it  was  a  flanking  movement  on  the  left  that  gave  to  the  two 
brigades  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  the  opportunity  to  render 
such  important  service  to  their  country. 

In  forming  the  Union  line  of  battle,  Sickles'  corps,  the 
Third,  had  been  instructed  to  take  position  on  the  left  of  Han 
cock,  and  on  the  same  general  line,  which  would  draw  it  along 
the  prolongation  of  Cemetery  Ridge  towards  Round  Top.  At 
this  point,  however,  the  ridge  is  not  very  defined.  The  Em- 
metsburg  road  runs  down  the  valley  between  Cemetery  and 
Seminary  Ridges,  being  elevated  on  an  intermediate  crest. 
Sickles,  keeping  his  right  in  touch  with  Hancock's,  threw  his 
line  along  this  crest,  while  to  prevent  leaving  his  left  in  the  air, 
he  refused  it ;  throwing  it  back  through  low  ground  towards 
Round  Top,  thus  exposing  to  the  enemy  a  salient  which  if  car 
ried  would  place  the  entire  army  in  jeopardy.  To  make  matters 
worse  neither  Round  Top  nor  Little  Round  Top  had  been  oc 
cupied,  their  importance  not  having  been  recognized  at  that 
time. 

Looking  west,  from  the  summit  of  Little  Round  Top,  is 
the  precipitous  side  of  the  hill  itself,  rocky  and  wooded.  At 
the  base  the  ground  resembles  a  marsh,  through  which,  from 
north  to  south,  runs  Plum  Run.  A  little  way  beyond  Plum 
Run  the  ground  slopes  up  to  a  wheat  field,  the  front  of  which 
is  partially  protected  by  a  stone  wall ;  beyond  this  wheat  field 
is  a  wooded  ridge,  and  beyond  this  ridge  is  a  peach  orchard. 
On  each  side  of  the  wheat  field  are  woods,  the  woods  on  the 
left  reaching  nearly  to  the  base  of  Round  Top,  and  in  the  gap 
thus  formed,  between  the  woods  and  Round  Top,  is  a  rocky 
formation  known  as  "Devil's  Den." 

The  Confederate  right  was  held  by  Hood,  who  was  in- 


GETTYSBURG  265 

1863  July  2] 

structed  to  assail  Sickles'  left.  Establishing  his  flank  in  Devil's 
Den,  Hood  at  about  4  o'clock  pressed  forward,  his  left  extend 
ing  to  the  Peach  Orchard.  The  righting  was  terrific,  but 
Sickles'  position  was  untenable  and  he  was  driven  back.  By 
this  time,  however,  the  First  division  of  the  Fifth  corps,  under 
General  Barnes,  had  reached  the  field  and  was  advancing  to 
reinforce  Sickles.  General  Warren,  who  happened  to  be  at 
that  moment  upon  Little  Round  Top,  immediately  realized  the 
importance  of  securing  the  possession  of  the  hill,  and  upon  his 
own  authority  detached  Vincent's  brigade  to  hold  it.  By  in 
credible  exertion  Hazlett's  battery  was  also  drawn  to  the  sum 
mit.  The  Confederates1  had  by  this  time,  however,  broken 
through  the  flank  and  were  running  up  the  front  slope  eager  to 
seize  the  advantage  point,  and  a  savage  combat  ensued.  Though 
failing  to  secure  the  height,  Hood  hung  on  to  a  position  in  the 
Devil's  Den.  The  Confederates  then  attacked  the  peach  or 
chard  desperately,  and  the  Union  line,  faultily  placed,  gave  way 
near  the  apex  of  the  salient.  In  an  attempt  to  stem  the  Confed 
erate  tide,  Barnes'  division  was  sent  to  the  assistance  of  the  dis 
rupted  Fifth  corps.  Following  that  Caldwell's  division  of  Han 
cock's  corps  moved  forward  only  to  suffer  heavy  loss.  Then 
Ayres'  division  of  two  brigades  of  United  States  regulars  went 
in,  meeting  with  momentary  success  till  completely  flanked 
they  lost  50  per  cent.,  killed  and  wounded,  as  they  fought  their 
way  back.  At  this  moment  General  Crawford  was  ordered  to 
charge  with  his  division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves.  The  divi 
sion  consisted  of  but  two  brigades,  the  First  and  the  Third ;  and 
of  these  two  the  Third  had  been  ordered  to  the  left  of  Barnes' 
division,2  though  the  Eleventh  regiment  united  itself  to  ami 

1  Flood's  Texans. 

"Towards  Round  Top.  The  5th  and  I2th  belonging  to  the  3rd  bri 
gade,  together  with  the  2Oth  Maine,  ascended  Round  Top  during  the 
night  and  secured  its  possession  to  the  Union  army. 


266  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  July   1863 

fought  with,  the  First  brigade.  The  men  had  marched  the 
greater  portion  of  the  night  and  had  been  forced  to  resume  the 
march  during  the  morning.  Passing  up  the  road,  frequently 
referred  to  as  the  "Wheat-field  road,"  they  moved  to  the  front. 
The  column  was  formed  with  the  first  line  composed  of  the 
Sixth,  First  and  Eleventh,  and  the  second  line  of  the  Bucktails 
and  Second,  the  second  line  being  massed  on  the  first. 

The  moment  was  a  critical  one.  The  enemy  swarmed  in 
front  of  the  Union  line,  between  the  wheat  field  and  Little 
Round  Top.  Confused  masses  of  troops  came  tearing  up  the 
rocky  incline  seeking  safety,  and  the  men  at  the  battery  on  the 
crest  made  preparations  to  spike  their  guns.  If  the  rebels 
should  effect  lodgment  on  Little  Round  Top,  the  Union  position 
was  lost.  And  rebel  uniforms  were  everywhere  mounting  the 
heights.1  A  change  in  the  line  to  repel  a  threatened  attack  on 
the  left,  caused  the  brigade  to  straighten  out  into  a  line  of  five 
regiments,2  and  threw  the  Bucktails  to  the  extreme  left,  so  that 
their  path  lay  through  the  battery,  whose  men,  encouraged  both 
by  their  presence  and  promises  of  assistance,  stuck  to  their 
guns. 

Seizing  the  flag  of  the  First  regiment,  whose  color  bearer 
had  been  shot  down,  General  Crawford  rushed  to  the  front, 
shouting,  "Forward  Reserves!"  Two  volleys,  well  directed, 
were  poured  into  the  enemy,  before,  with  a  cheer,  the  line 
charged  forward  at  a  run.  In  the  front  line  of  the  Bucktails, 
Colonel  Taylor,  on  foot,3  urged  his  men  forward,  while  Lieuten- 

1  "The  plain  .  .  .  was  covered  with  fugitives  from  all  divisions  .  „  . 
"Fragments  of  regiments  came  back  in  disorder,  and  without  their  arms, 
"and  for  a  moment  all  seemed  lost."  (Crawford's  report,  O.  R.  I. 
XXVII.  i.,  p.  653.) 

8  McCandless'  report.  O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  i.,  p.  657. 

8  Colonel  Taylor  declined  to  use  his  horse,  and  had  left  it  in  charge 
of  Ross  Hardy  of  his  old  company. 


GETTYSBURG  267 

1863  July  2] 

ant-Colonel  Niles  and  Adjutant  Hartshorne  seemed  to  be  every 
where.  Backward,  down  the  slope,  the  men  pushed  their  oppo 
nents.  At  the  foot  of  the  hill  Lieutenant-Colonel  Niles  fell 
wounded  in  the  hip,  but  the  line  kept  advancing.  Over  Plum 
Run  and  its  marshy  borders  they  forced  the  Confederates. 
Then  up  the  slope  towards  the  wheat  field.  At  the  stone  wall, 
the  enemy  made  a  short  stand,  but  the  impetuosity  of  the 
Bucktails  was  not  to  be  denied,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  Con 
federates  were  flying  through  the  wheat  field  towards  the 
woods  at  its  farther  side. 

A  few  of  the  men  leaped  the  wall  in  pursuit,  but  Colonel 
Taylor,  waving  his  sword,  kept  in  front  of  all  till  he  disap 
peared  in  the  woods  in  front  and  to  the  left.1 

The  stone  wall  marked  the  limit  of  their  intended  advance, 
and,  taking  advantage  of  the  protection  it  afforded,  the  men 
prepared  to  hold  the  ground  they  had  wrested  from  the  enemy. 
Numerous  prisoners  had  been  captured,  but  they  had  been  sent 
to  the  rear.  The  wall,  which  runs  along  the  front  of  the  wheat 
field,  crosses  the  road  which  runs  west  from  Little  Round  Top,2 
and  though  the  other  regiments  of  the  Reserves  were  on  the 
right  of  the  road,  the  Bucktails  were  upon  its  left. 

The  advance  had  been  made  with  such  rapidity  that  before 
reaching  the  wall  many  men  had  become  separated  from  their 
own  companies  and  now  fought  in  whatever  command  they 
found  themselves:'  Captain  Kinsey,  of  Company  C,  upon 

1  A  published  letter  written  by  Richard  Beeby,  of  Company  H,  a 
participant  in  this  charge,  states  that  though  the  writer  had  a  certain 
reputation  as  a  sprinter,  he  was  unable  to  keep  up  with  his  Colonel. 

2  The  road  before  referred  to  as  the  "Wheat-field  road." 

:i  This  confusion  has  resulted  in  men  from  various  companies  claim 
ing  for  their  own  companies  achievements  performed  by  others,  witk 
which  they  happened  to  be  fighting. 


268  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  July   1863 

reaching  the  stone  wall,  had  ordered  his  men  to  take  advantage 
of  its  cover.  Then  he  devoted  his  attention  to  keeping  in  check 
the  fire  upon  his  left,  proceeding  from  Devil's  Den.1  The 
strength  and  rapidity  of  his  fire  was  such  that  but  few  of  the 
enemy  advanced  into  the  open.  Lieutenant  Kratzer,  who  was 
everywhere  on  the  field,  shortly  after  approached  Kinsey,  and 
told  him  that  Colonel  Taylor  had  sent  him  to  see  where  he  was 
and  what  he  was  doing.1  Kinsey  replied  that  what  he  was 
doing  was  obvious ;  that  he  thought  he  could  prevent  the  enemy 
advancing;  but,  that  without  assistance  he  could  no  nothing 
more,  though  if  Kratzer  could  obtain  the  Colonel's  permission 
to  bring  up  his  Company  K,  to  his  assistance,  he  thought  he 
could  rout  the  Confederates  out  of  the  rocks.  As  Lieutenant 
Kratzer  left,  a  shell  from  the  rear  passed  over  the  heads  of 
Company  C.  One  of  the  men  said,  "Captain,  that  means  us." 
The  Captain  replied,  "No,  that  is  one  of  our  own  shells,  and  is 
"meant  for  those  fellows  in  the  rocks."  A  moment  later  an 
other  shell  came,  taking  off  the  arm  of  a  Company  B  boy.  The 
boy  sprang  up,  crying,  "I  won't  die,  I  won't  die."  Then  for  a 
moment,  he  ran  in  a  circle,  the  blood  spurting  from  the  stump, 
before  he  dropped  dead.  The  same  shell  also  killed  a  man 
from  Company  I,  hit  the  wall  throwing  part  of  it  up  in  the  air, 
and  wounded  seven  or  eight  men.  Captain  Kinsey's  right  arm 

1  In  "Pennsylvania  at  Gettysburg"  it  is  stated  that  Major  Harts- 
horne  ordered  Lieutenant  Kratzer  to  order  in   Company  C,  after  the 
death  of  Colonel  Taylor,  and  that  in  accordance  with  these  instructions 
Captain  Kinsey  deployed  his  men.     Captain  Kinsey,  however,  over  his 
signature,  states  that  the  account  is  erroneous :  that  he  was  not  ordered 
in;  that  he  did  not  deploy  his  company;  and  that  what  he  did,  he  did 
upon  his  own  initiative.     His  account,  which  bears  every  possible  evi 
dence  of  accuracy  has  been  followed. 

2  This  statement  of  Captain  Kinsey's  is  of  exceeding  value  as  evi 
dence  in  fixing  with  certainty  the  time  of  Colonel  Taylor's  death. 


GETTYSBURG  269 

1863  July  2] 

and  left  wrist  were  cut,  and  the  fingers  of  his  left  hand  torn 
and  lacerated,  forcing  him  a  few  moments  later  to  retire  to  the 
hospital  in  the  rear.1 

When  Company  K  reached  the  wall,  it  was  augmented  by 
perhaps  a  dozen  stragglers  from  various  companies,  among 
whom  was  Captain  Mack,  of  Company  E.  Hardly  had  cover 
been  taken  when  the  vigorous  fire  from  the  enemy,  posted  both 
in  Devil's  Den  and  the  woods,  upon  their  left  flank,  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  officers.  Captain  Mack,  noticing  Corporal 
Brookins,  of  Company  G,  near  him,  ordered  him  to  look  into 
the  woods  to  see  what  was  there.  It  was  a  dangerous  proceed 
ing,  but  Mack,  Brookins  and  Private  Davis,  of  Company  G, 
started  forward.  Moving  both  beyond  the  left  end  of  the  wall, 
and  a  short  distance  to  the  front  of  it,  they  ran  into  a  line  of 
the  enemy  of  such  strength  as  to  make  them  seek  instant  cover, 
Mack  and  Brookins  behind  a  tree,  Davis  behind  a  rock.  At 
this  moment  Lieutenant  Kratzer,  accompanied  by  Private  Hall, 
of  Company  K,  came  up.  With  but  two  or  three  guns  amongst 
them,  to  attack  would  have  been  madness.  The  little  party, 
sheltering  themselves  as  best  they  could,  were  debating  what 
to  do,  when  Colonel  Taylor,  with  Lieutenant  Ward,  came  tear 
ing  forward.2  "Why  don't  you  fire?"  he  asked,  eager  as  ever 

1  The  fact  that  the  report  shows  that  one  shell  wounded  an  officer 
of  Company  C,  and  men  from  Companies  I  and  B,  brings  into  relief 
the  extent  of  the  disorder  resulting  from  the  charge.     An  article  in  the 
"National  Tribune"  later  established  the  fact  that  these  two  shells  were 
fired  by  a  Confederate  gun  from  an  exposed  knoll.     This  gun  was  then 
silenced  by  a  Union  battery. 

2  Whether  Colonel  Taylor  after  clearing  the  stone  wall  at  the  head 
of  the  charge  and  entering  the  woods,  had  returned  to  its  protection, 
and  later  moved  towards  the  Devil's  Den  to  ascertain  what  could  be  done 
to  stop  the  flanking  fire  from  that  direction ;  or  whether  he  reached  the 
position    occupied   by   the    little   party   by    moving   towards    it    directly 
through  the  woods  after  the  cessation  of  the  forward  movement  by  his 
men,  can  probably  never  be  decided  with  any  certainty. 


270  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[2  July  1863 

to  lead  an  assault.  Upon  being  informed  that  the  party  was 
too  weak  to  warrant  an  attack,  he  said  he  would  order  up  more 
men  immediately.  His  men,  fearful  for  his  safety,  called  to 
him  to  take  cover.  But  the  warning  came  too  late,  for  as  he 
spoke  a  rebel  took  aim  at  him.  Brookins  threw  his  gun  to  his 
shoulder,  but  the  weapon  missed  fire.  Without  a  word,  the 
Colonel  dropped  into  Kratzer's  arms,  a  bullet  hole  in  his  breast. 
To  save  his  body  from  the  rebels,  the  men  carried  it  back  to 
wards  the  wall,  Lieutenant  Ludlow,  of  Company  E,  who  had 
come  up,  helping.1  Davis  remained  behind  his  rock  and  Captain 
Mack  covered  the  retreating  party  with  savage  shots  at  the 
enemy.  The  men  with  the  body  had  not  proceeded  far  before 
the  man  who  had  shot  the  Colonel  dropped  Davis,  who  called 
to  them  to  come  back  for  him.  First,  however,  they  must 
finish  their  present  task.  At  the  wall  members  of  Company  H 
relieved  the  little  party  of  the  body  and  carried  it  back  to  the 
Field  Hospital.  Remembering  Davis,  lying  wounded  behind 
the  rock,  Captain  Mack,  Brookins  and  the  rest  determined  to 
make  an  effort  to  bring  him  within  the  lines.  Whether  it  was 
a  tribute  to  their  daring,  or  not,  the  men  were  not  fired  upon 
while  on  this  errand  of  mercy,  but  the  man  they  rescued  died 
the  next  day. 

1  Apparently,  Kratzer,  Hall,  Ward  and  Ludlow,  started  to  carry 
the  body,  but  its  limpness  impelled  Brookins  to  support  the  head.  A 
few  others  not  mentioned  seem  to  have  been  near.  In  the  official  re 
ports,  the  death  of  the  Colonel  is  reported  to  have  occurred,  while,  at  the 
head  of  his  men,  he  led  the  charge,  and  this  story  has  been  quoted  time 
and  again  both  in  print  and  in  orations.  Letters  from  those  who  were 
with  him  when  he  was  shot,  and  which  dove-tail  into  each  other  with 
remarkable  accuracy,  considering  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  have 
enabled  the  authors  to  record  with  greater  accuracy  the  circumstances 
connected  with  his  death. 


GETTYSBURG  271 

1863  July   3] 

With  Colonel  Taylor  dead  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Niles 
wounded,  Major  Hartshorne  was  called  upon  once  again  to 
command  the  regiment.  The  orders  were  not  to  advance  be 
yond  the  stone  wall,1  but  the  firing  on  the  left  was  so  annoying 
that  he  was  tempted  to  order  an  attempt  made  to  capture  the 
Den.  It  was,  however,  rapidly  growing  dark,  and  the  com 
panies  were  ordered  to  shelter  themselves  behind  the  wall  as 
best  they  might,  and  obtain  what  rest  was  possible  before  morn 
ing  should  bring  with  it  a  renewal  of  the  conflict. 

Early  the  next  day  Major  Hartshorne,  alive  to  the  fact 
that  the  rebels  posted  in  Devil's  Den  were  in  position  to  throw 
an  enfilading  fire  into  his  men,  ordered  a  small  body  forward  to 
reconnoiter.  ''Are  you  going  to  let  those  fellows  pick  us  off? 
"Some  of  you  get  in  there,"  was  his  comment.  Those  who 
caught  the  glitter  of  his  eye  did  not  hesitate  but  moved  forward. 
After  the  skirmishers  had  advanced  Hartshorne  ordered  Cap 
tains  Frank  Bell  and  John  Wolfe  to  take  their  companies  to 
their  support,  their  instructions  being  to  attack  and  develop  the 
strength  of  the  enemy. 

The  vicinity  of  Devil's  Den  was  admirably  suited  to  the 
tactics  employed  by  the  Bucktails,  as  cover  both  of  rocks  and 
trees  abounded.  Possessing  Sharps  rifles,  they  were  able  to 
reload,  when  necessary,  without  exposing  any  portions  of  their 
bodies,  an  advantage  not  possessed  by  their  opponents.  Utiliz 
ing  this  advantage  to  the  utmost,  they  poured  in  a  hot  fire.  The 
fire  in  return  immediately  became  severe,  and  as  they  crept 
nearer,  of  an  intensity  that  plainly  showed  that  the  enemy  was 
far  too  strong  numerically  to  be  routed  by  the  small  force  sent 
against  them.  The  Bucktails,  therefore,  stayed  behind  cover, 
devoting  themselves  to  picking  off  their  antagonists  whenever 
chances  offered.  At  this  game  they  entirely  outclassed  the 

1  McCandless'  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  i.,  p.  657. 


272  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[3  July   1863 

Confederates,  who,  quickly  realizing  that  their  numbers  were 
being  steadily  depleted  without  their  opponents  suffering  a 
compensating  loss,  left  their  protection  and  charged.  To  stand 
against  such  numbers  would  have  been  farcical,  so  the  two  com 
panies  beat  a  hasty  retreat  and  succeeded  in  rejoining  the  other 
companies  of  the  regiment  behind  the  stone  wall.  In  this  re 
treat  Captain  Bell  was  so  severely  wounded  in  the  leg  that  the 
injured  limb  was  afterwards  amputated. 

About  noon,  Lieutenant  Kratzer,  with  Company  K,  made 
another  attempt  to  clear  the  Den  of  the  Confederates.  Deploy 
ing  his  men  as  skirmishers,  he  charged  forward  at  a  run. 
When  but  a  few  feet  separated  them  from  their  antagonists, 
the  Confederates  springing  from  their  cover,  greeted  them  with 
a  murderous  fire,  while  an  officer  called  on  Kratzer  to  surren 
der.  The  answer  was  a  revolver  shot.  The  Confederate  re 
turned  the  shot,  and  Kratzer,  firing  again,  though  wounded  in 
the  elbow,  killed  him.  Both  parties  now  took  cover ;  but  shortly 
after  as  the  Confederates  were  preparing  to  make  a  general 
assault  on  the  Union  position,  Major  Hartshorne  recalled  the 
company. 

With  the  attack  on  the  Union  left  that  had  been  finally- 
repulsed  on  the  afternoon  of  the  2nd,  by  the  charge  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserves,  the  Confederate  attack  upon  that  end 
of  the  line  ceased.  An  attack  was  then  inaugurated  against 
the  Union  right  both  during  the  afternoon  of  the  2nd  and  the 
morning  of  the  3rd ;  but  by  1 1  o'clock  on  the  latter  day  the 
effort  was  proven  to  be  futile.  Lee  then  decided  to  assault  the 
center.  Preparatory  to  launching  his  columns,  he  shelled  the 
position  he  intended  to  assail.  From  i  o'clock  to  3  o'clock  his 
one  hundred  and  fifteen  guns  engaged  in  a  contest  with  the 
eighty  guns  that  opposed  them.  General  Hunt,  who  had  charge 
of  the  Union  artillery,  realizing  that  a  charge  was  to  follow, 


GETTYSBURG  273 

1863   July   3] 

then  ordered  his  guns  to  cease  firing,  gradually,  in  order  to 
make  the  enemy  believe  that  he  had  succeeded  in  silencing 
them.  As  soon  as  the  artillery  became  quiet  Lee  ordered  the 
charge.  Pickett's  division,  supported  on  the  left  by  Pettigrew's 
brigade,  numbering  probably  15,000  men,  moved  forward  as 
regularly  as  though  on  dress  parade,  to  attack  the  left  centre. 
As  the  column  reached  the  plain  the  Union  artillery  re-opened, 
but  any  gaps  made  were  instantly  refilled.  Two  hundred  yards 
away  from  the  Union  line,  Pettigrew's  brigade,1  upon  being 
heavily  assailed,  broke,  leaving  2,000  prisoners  and  15  flags 
with  Hay's  division.  Still  Pickett's  division  advanced  steadily 
and  with  such  power  that  it  penetrated  the  Union  line,  General 
Armistead,  his  hand  upon  a  Union  gun  inside  his  opponent's 
lines,  cheering  on  his  men.  The  victory  was  short  lived.  Gen 
eral  Hancock  threw  into  the  gap  reinforcements  and  shortly 
after  the  remnant  of  the  attacking  columns  retreated  across  the 
plain.  It  is  believed  that  Pickett's  division  lost  75  per  cent,  in 
killed,  wounded  and  captured. 

This  repulse  is  generally  looked  upon  as  closing  the  three 
days'  battle;  but,  at  about  5  o'clock  the  First  brigade  of  the 
division  of  Pennsylvania  Reserves  was  put  in  motion.  General 
Meade,  who  was  standing  upon  Little  Round  Top,  was  an 
noyed,  not  only  by  sharpshooters,  but  by  a  battery  posted  be 
yond  the  wheat-field.2  Hence  General  Sykes  ordered  General 
Crawford  to  advance  and  clear  out  the  woods.  The  First 
brigade,  with  which  the  Eleventh  regiment  was  still  acting,  was 
accordingly  formed  by  Colonel  McCandless,  the  Sixth  regi 
ment  advancing  through  the  woods  on  the  left  to  drive  out  the 
enemy's  skirmishers.  Then  right  through  the  open  field  the 

1  Composed  partly  of  green  North  Carolina  troops. 

2  See  "Chancellorsville  and  Gettysburg"  by  General  Abner  Double- 
day,  p.  205. 

19 


274  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[3  July  1863 

regiments  charged.  The  rebel  battery  opened  fire,  but  as  the 
brigade  approached,  turned  and  fled.  Wheeling  his  men,  so 
as  to  face  to  the  left,  McCandless  then  ordered  his  regiments 
to  advance  once  more.  Again  the  line  swept  forward,  and 
though  attacking  a  much  superior  force,  drove  the  enemy  be 
fore  them.  One  brigade  of  the  Confederates,  General  George 
T.  Anderson's  Georgians,  had  taken  position  behind  a  stone 
wall,  made  stronger  by  rails  and  logs.  The  brigade  dashed 
around  their  flank,  taking  over  200  prisoners,  while  Sergeant 
James  B.  Thompson,  of  Company  G,  of  the  Bucktails,  captured 
the  flag  of  the  Fifteenth  Georgia. 

The  enemy  retreated  a  mile,  and  thus  the  brigade,  probably 
firing  the  last  shots  of  the  battle,  had  re-won  all  the  ground 
lost  on  the  left  by  other  troops  on  the  previous  day.  Their 
position  flanked  Devil's  Den  so  completely  that  it  was  aban 
doned  by  the  enemy,  and  during  the  evening  some  of  the  men 
entered  it  and  examined  it  with  curiosity.  In  the  charge  the 
brigade  captured  one  12-pounder  Napoleon  gun,  three  caissons, 
seven  thousand  stand  of  arms  and  over  two  hundred  prisoners.1 
The  brigade  occupied  the  position  won  till  noon  of  the  4th, 
when,  relieved  by  fresh  troops,  it  moved  back  to  the  stone  wall. 

1  Where  all  men  are  heroes  comparisons  are  useless.  So  much 
has  been  written  about  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  that  its  chief  features 
are  known  to  nearly  half  of  the  people,  and  its  details  to  thousands. 
Yet  it  is  permissible  to  point  out  that  Little  Round  Top  was  recog 
nized  as  an  extremely  important  position — one  whose  possession  by  the 
enemy  would  render  the  Union  line  untenable ;  that  when  the  brigade, 
to  which  the  Bucktails  were  attached,  came  upon  the  field  the  Union 
troops  were  retreating  in  confused  masses  up  the  slope  while  the  Con 
federates  at  the  same  time  were  pushing  forward;  that  the  brigade 
charging  drove  the  enemy  to  the  stone  wall,  on  the  far  side  of  Plum 
Run;  that  the  brigade  held  that  position  throughout  the  night,  and 
till  evening  the  next  day,  when  charging  forward  they  regained  the 
ground  lost  by  Sickles,  and  by  their  flank  movement  compelled  the 
evacuation  of  Devil's  Den, 


GETTYSBURG  275 

1863  July  3] 

Excepting  for  this  movement  resulting  in  the  evacuation 
of  Devil's  Den,  the  defeat  of  Pickett's  charge  marked  the  close 
of  the  battle.  Lee,  with  his  shattered  forces,  prepared  to  re 
treat  towards  Virginia,  commencing  the  retrograde  movement 
on  the  4th. 

The  official  report  of  the  Bucktail  loss  was  as  follows : 
Killed.        Wounded.          Missing.  Total. 

Officers 2  8  10 

Men 5  31  2  38 

Total 7  39  2  48' 

The  officers  killed  were  Colonel  Charles  Frederick  Taylor, 
and  Second-Lieutenant  Robert  Hall,  of  Company  D ;  and  the 
officers  wounded,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Alanson  E.  Niles ;  Cap 
tains  Neri  B.  Kinsey,  Company  C ;  Hugh  McDonald,  Company 
G ;  John  D.  Yerkes,  Company  H ;  and  Frank  J.  Bell,  Company 
I ;  and  Lieutenants  Joel  R.  Sparr,  Company  B ;  Thomas  J . 
Roney,  Company  H ;  and  John  E.  Kratzer,  Company  K. 

Probably  no  officer  of  the  Bucktails  was  ever  better  or 
more  generally  loved  than  Colonel  Taylor.  Cultured  and  re 
fined  he  was  a  favorite  of  the  army  officers  who  held  higher 
rank  than  he ;  sympathetic  and  just,  he  was  regarded  with  the 
greatest  of  affection  by  those  under  him.  He  was  the  youngest 
man  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  holding  a  colonel's  commis 
sion,2  being  but  slightly  over  twenty-three  on  the  day  that  he 
met  his  death.3  General  Crawford  in  reporting  his  death  refers 
to  him  as  the  "gallant  and  brave  leader  of  the  Bucktail  regi- 

'O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  i.,  p.  180.  In  this  case,  as  also  in  others,  the 
official  report  does  not  agree  with  the  loss  as  shown  by  the  muster  roll. 

2  "History  of  Pennsylvania  Reserve  corps,"  by  Justin  R.  Sypher, 
P.  475- 

8  Born  Feb.  6,  1840 ;  died  July  2,  1863,  aged  23  years  4  months  and 
26  days. 


276  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[3  July  1863 

"ment,"  adding,  "No  braver  soldier  and  patriot  has  given  his 
"life  to  the  cause."1 

His  body  was  taken  to  the  family  home,  and  interred  in 
Longwood  cemetery,  a  monument  principally  subscribed  for  by 
officers  and  men  of  the  regiment,  being  erected  over  the  grave. 
A  marker  was  placed  on  the  battle-field,  to  indicate  the  place 
he  fell  by  the  Charles  Frederick  Taylor  Post,  G.  A.  R. ;  but  as 
recent  investigations  have  proven  that  this  marker  was  not 
placed  exactly  over  the  spot  where  he  fell,  arrangements  were 
made  by  the  Regimental  Association  of  Bucktail  or  First  Rifle 
Regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  and  assented  to 
by  the  Taylor  Post,  to  place  a  new  marker  in  the  correct  posi 
tion.1 

To  Sergeant  James  B.  Thompson,  Company  G,  was 
awarded  a  medal  of  honor  for  his  gallantry  in  capturing  the 
Hag  of  the  Fifteenth  Georgia.3 

1  O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  i.,  p.  655. 

z  As  previously  stated  this  marker  was  dedicated  upon  October 
6th,  1905. 

8  O.  R.  I.  XXVII.  ii.,  p.  282. 


THE    PENNSYLVANIA    INVASION. 

I  II. 

CENTREVILLE    AND    THE    MINE    RUN    CAMPAIGN. 


When  he  possessed  definite  knowledge  of  the  Confederates' 
retreat,  Meade  put  his  army  in  pursuit  of  Lee,  who  by  the  7th 
had  reached  the  Potomac,  and  who,  had  not  the  river  been 
swollen  by  rain,  would  have  crossed  unmolested.1  By  the  I2th, 
however,  Meade  confronted  Lee,  who  with  his  back  to  the  river, 
designed  to  cross  at  Williamsport.  Undecided  what  to  do, 
Meade  then  called  a  council,  the  majority  of  whom  voted 
against  giving  battle.  General  Meade,  notwithstanding,  ordered 
an  attack  for  the  morning  of  the  I4th,  but  Lee,  during  the  night 
put  his  army  across  the  river  and  moved  away. 

The  Bucktails  on  this  march  to  the  Potomac  neared  the 
State  line  on  the  6th,  trudging  along  in  mud  knee  deep.  On  the 
7th  they  covered  twenty- four  miles,  on  the  8th  fifteen  miles,  and 
on  the  Qth,  crossing  South  Mountain  in  the  rain,  seven  miles. 
Reaching  the  Antietam  on  the  roth,  the  regiment  was  on  picket 
duty  and  had  skirmishes  with  the  enemy.  Still  on  picket  duty 
on  the  nth,  they  moved  forward  about  a  mile,  lay  practically 
unmolested  during  the  day,  but  at  night,  advancing  two  miles, 
participated  in  another  skirmish,  after  which  they  were  relieved, 
but  only  to  lie  in  the  battle  line  upon  the  I3th. 

From  this  time  on,  until  they  went  into  winter  quarters, 
the  regiment  did  but  little  fighting,  outside  of  skirmishing.  Yet 

1  General  French  had  destroyed  the  pontoon  bridge. 

277 


278  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[15  July   1863 

the  hardships  entailed  by  the  long  marches  which  culminated  in 
the  Mine  Run  fiasco,  were  such,  that  many  of  the  men  look  back 
to  this  period  as  the  most  trying  one  in  all  their  army  expe 
rience. 

As  Lee  had  withdrawn  his  army  south  of  the  Potomac,  it 
was  necessary  that  Meade  should  follow,  and  he  decided  to  do 
so,  keeping  to  the  east  of  the  mountains,  while  his  opponent  kept 
upon  the  other  side.  The  two  armies,  therefore,  moved  south 
ward,  practically  parallel  to  each  other.  Emerging  to  the  east 
of  the  mountains,  by  the  early  part  of  August,  Lee  with  his 
army,  rested  at  Culpepper,  a  few  miles  south  of  the  Rappahan- 
nock  river ;  while  Meade  went  into  camp  on  the  north  bank  near 
Rappahannock  Station.1  During  this  march  the  men  suffered 
for  want  of  food.  The  regiment  drew  no  rations  on  July  24th, 
25th  and  26th.  On  the  27th  the  commissariat  being  again  in 
working  order  they  had  a  "grand  feast — hard  tack  and  pork." 
A  few  days  later  twenty-five  of  the  Bucktails  were  detailed  as 
guard  for  one  hundred  wagons  on  a  foraging  trip,  but  as  they 
were  relieved  before  the  wagons  returned  it  is  doubtful  if  the 
men  personally  profited  much.  Wild  berries  were  plentiful  and 
upon  every  opportunity  they  went  out  to  gather  them.2 

With  the  establishment  of  the  camp  at  Rappahannock  came 

1  The  action  at  Manassas  Gap  during  the  march  is  not  important 
to  this  narrative,  though  the  Bucktails  were  in  skirmishing  on  August 
24.     The  dates  of  march  were  about  as  follows :     July  15,  to  Middle- 
town — 25  miles;  July  16,  to  Berlin — 10  miles;  July  17,  crossed  the  Poto 
mac — to  Lovettsville ;   July  18,  to  Wheatland — 8  miles ;   July  19,  6  miles ; 
July  20,  to  Goose  Creek — 20  miles ;   July  22,  to  Manassas  Gap  Railroad ; 
July  25,  to  Orleans — 15  miles;    July  26 — 7  miles;    July  27,  to  Fayette- 
ville;    August  4,  to  Beverly  Ford;    August  8,  to  near  Rappahannock 
Station. 

2  The  brigade  organization  remained  the  same,  as  far  as  infantry 
regiments   were   concerned,   but  by  July   21  st,    1863,  the   Massachusetts 
Light  5th  battery,  had  replaced  the  5th  United  States  Battery  I.  (O.  R.  I. 
XXVII.  Hi.,  p.  800.) 


v  AND  THE}  MlNK  RUN  CAMPAIGN  279 

1863  August  23] 

a  cessation  of  marching  orders.  The  forces  of  General  Meade 
were  being  reduced,  troops  being  taken  from  him  to  help  Rose- 
crans  in  the  west,  and  also  to  assist  in  enforcing  the  draft  laws 
in  New  York.  Hence  until  Lee,  in  the  early  part  of  September 
was  similarly  weakened,  Meade  was  compelled  to  act  strictly 
on  the  defensive. 

If  armies  even  approximated  the  ideal  in  constitution  and 
administration,  such  a  rest  as  ensued  would  have  been  an  un 
mitigated  pleasure.  But  in  addition  to  daily  drills — division  re 
views,  batallion  drills,  brigade  drills,  dress  parades,  general  in 
spections,  regimental  inspections,  etc. — many  troubles  arose. 
Camp  followers  distributed  cheap  whiskey  and  court  martials 
and  periods  in  the  guard  house  followed.  Deserters  were 
rounded  up  and  brigades  ordered  out  to  see  them  shot.  Upon 
some,  necessarily,  fell  the  duty  of  being  in  the  firing  squad  or  of 
digging  their  graves.1  Still  many  pleasant  things  occurred. 
Members  of  one  regiment  exchanged  visits  with  those  of  an 
other.  The  One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth  was  not  far  away 
and  frequently  the  Bucktails  would  go  over  and  see  the  "new 
"Bucktails ;"  in  some  cases  staying  over  the  night. 

After  camp  had  been  established,  Major  Hartshorne  held 
inspection,  but  on  September  3rd,  Lieutenant- Colonel  Niles, 
rejoined  his  regiment. 

On  August  28th,  the  men  and  officers  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserve  Corps,  presented  to  General  Meade,  as  a  token  of  the 
esteem  in  which  they  held  him,  a  sword,  sash,  belt  and  pair  of 
golden  spurs.  Governor  Curtin  was  present,  but  the  actual 
presentation  was  made  by  General  Crawford.  In  his  speech  of 

1  On  the  26th  of  August  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  witness  the 
execution  of  six  deserters,  and  on  the  2Qth  of  five  more.  Is  it  any  won 
der  that  a  diary  reports  general  drunkenness  in  the  evening,  even  though 
some  of  the  men  shot  had  been  "bounty  jumpers?" 


280  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[23  August   1863 

acceptance,  General  Meade,  who  can  never  be  accused  of  hyper 
bole,  paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  the  valor  of  his  old  division; 
mentioning  "Dranesville,  where  the  first  success  that  crowned 
"the  arms  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  gained,  unaided  and 
"alone,  by  a  single  brigade."  .  .  .  "Mechanicsville,  .  .  . 
"where  the  whole  of  Longstreet's  corps  was  held  in  check  and 
"victory  really  won,  by  only  two  brigades."  Then  he  referred  to 
New  Market  Cross  Roads  and  South  Mountain ;  to  Antietam 
where  the  Reserves  "boldly  attacked  that  portion  of  the  Confed- 
"erate  army  in  its  front  without  knowing  its  strength,  and  con 
tinued  to  drive  it  until  dark,  and  then  held  the  position  it  had 
"gained  until  morning  when  the  battle  was  renewed ;"  to  Fred- 
ericksburg,  where  the  Reserves  "crossed  and  led  the  advance, 
"unaided  and  alone,  up  the  heights,"  and  where  "had  they  been 
"followed  and  supported  by  other  troops,  their  courage  that  day 
"would  have  won  a  victory."  He  expressed  his  sense  of  loss 
through  the  death  of  General  Reynolds,  members  of  his  staff, 
and  regimental  officers ;  of  the  three  latter  mentioned  by  name, 
two  were  Bucktails — McNeil  and  Taylor.1 

When  General  Meade  became  aware  that  Longstreet's 
corps  had  been  taken  away  from  Lee  for  duty  in  the  west,  he 
crossed  his  army  over  the  Rappahannock  and  drove  the  Confed 
erates  south  of  the  Rapidan.2  While  lying  in  their  new  camp, 
the  division  was  reviewed  by  General  Meade,  who  had  the  Mex 
ican  General  Cortez  as  his  guest.  At  this  time,  too,  the  regi 
ments  were  informed  that  members  of  the  infantry  could, 
should  they  so  desire,  be  transferred  to  the  artillery,  a  privi- 

1  The  full  text  of  the  speech  is  given  in  "History  of  the  Pennsyl- 
"vania  Reserve  corps,"  by  J.  R.  Sypher,  p.  491-494. 

2  The    Bucktails    crossed    the    Rappahannock    on    September    i6th, 
moved  to  Cedar  Mountain  and  went  into  camp  on  the  i8th. 


CENTREVILLK  AND  THK  MIN£  RUN  CAMPAIGN          281 

1863  October  9] 

lege  that  was  to  be  restricted  to  regiments  attached  to  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Strong  efforts  were  also  made  to  induce  the  men  to 
re-enlist  for  three  years  more,  unless  previously  discharged. 
The  commanding  officers  appreciated  the  value  of  the  training 
that  the  men  had  received,  and  the  ability  they  had  acquired 
through  such  training  to  fight  effectively  and  campaign  intelli 
gently,  nor  did  they  desire  to  see  their  places  filled  by  raw 
troops.  Hence  as  an  inducement,  bounties  were  offered  to  those 
who  would  re-enlist,  supplemented  by  a  promise  of  thirty  days' 
furlough.  Not  only  did  the  officers  expect  that  the  privilege  of 
spending  thirty  days  at  their  homes  would  act  as  a  strong  in 
ducement  upon  the  men,  but  they  calculated  that  the  soldiers  at 
home  on  furlough  would  act  as  recruiting  agents. 

The  various  companies  and  regiments  were  frequently 
formed  in  line  to  hear  their  officers  read  orders  in  regard  to 
re-enlistment.  Some  promptly  signed,  but  others  demurred. 
Gradually  the  bounties  increased,  till,  in  the  early  part  of  the 
year,  New  Jersey  paid  $350.00  in  greenbacks  per  man,  with  an 
added  $2.00  per  month  during  active  service.1 

At  this  camp,  too,  the  medical  staff  was  reinforced  by  the 
appointment  of  Dr.  Lafayette  Butler. 

When  General  Meade  received  reinforcements,  he  decided 
to  assume  the  offensive ;  but  Lee,  who  had  also  been  strength 
ened,  came  to  the  same  decision,  at  the  same  time.  The  Con 
federate  General  intended  to  move  his  force,  with  extreme 
rapidity,  northward  around  the  right  of  the  Union  army,  fall 
upon  its  rear  and  destroy  its  communications.  Hence  before 

1  Those  who  did  not  re-enlist  seem  at  first  to  have  poked  fun  at 
the  "Vetrans."  An  entry  in  a  diary  chronicles  how  the  writer  was 
"took  bad  with  the  Vetran  fever",  but  he  adds  "ate  some  hard  tack 
"and  that  cured  it."  The  cure  was  only  transient,  however,  for  he 
shortly  after  fell  victim  to  a  big  roll  of  greenbacks. 


282  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

fio  October   1863 

Meade  became  aware  of  his  adversary's  intentions,  he  was 
actually  moving  south  while  Lee  was  marching  north.  When 
the  plans  of  the  opposing  armies  became  clear,  the  campaign 
degenerated  into  a  simple  race  for  Centreville,  a  contest  which 
the  Union  army,  aided  by  having  the  interior  route,  won.  Hav 
ing  been  defeated  in  his  main  designs,  Lee  did  not  relish  re 
treating  without  accomplishing  something,  so  he  moved  over  to 
Bull  Run  and  occupied  himself  with  destroying  the  railroad 
before  he  commenced  his  retrograde  movement  on  October 
1 8th.  Repairing  the  railroad  as  he  advanced,  Meade  followed 
the  Confederates,  going  into  camp,  once  more,  south  of  the 
Rappahannock.  Thus  by  November  8th  or  Qth,  the  contesting 
armies  had  resumed  their  former  positions.1 

While  in  their  new  position  the  Bucktails  moved  into  the 
old  rebel  camp,  and  joyfully  availed  themselves  of  its  comforts. 
The  season  being  far  advanced,  and  the  soil  of  Virginia  ren 
dering  impossible  active  operations  during  winter  time,  the 
various  troops  looked  forward  to  a  period  of  rest,  bending  all 
their  energies  to  making  their  quarters  as  comfortable  as  cir 
cumstances  would  permit.  Yet  General  Meade  had  no  inten 
tion  of  abandoning  active  operations  for  the  winter  without 

1  This  campaign  affords  a  good  example  of  the  toils  exacted  of 
soldiers.  October  loth  found  the  Bucktails  in  motion.  They  marched 
to  Raccoon  Ford  and  then  back.  On  the  nth,  they  were  up  at  3  A.  M. 
and  as  they  advanced  were  subjected  to  a  fire  on  their  rear.  Then 
crossing  to  the  north  side  of  the  Rappahannock  they  went  into  camp. 
On  the  I2th,  as  Meade  feared  his  movement  was  premature,  they  were 
ordered  back  to  the  south  bank  and  headed  for  Brandy  Station — then, 
recalled,  they  marched  back  and  crossed  again  to  the  north  bank.  No 
doubt  being  left  as  to  Lee's  movements  the  next  morning,  they  were  or 
dered  north,  reaching  Catlett's  Station — 15  miles ;  on  the  I4th  they 
reached  Centreville,  21  miles.  Then :  Oct.  18,  to  Fairfax  Court  House ; 
Oct.  19,  to  Bull  Run ;  Oct.  20,  to  near  New  Baltimore ;  Oct.  26,  to  Au 
burn  ;  Oct.  30,  to  near  Warrenton  Junction ;  Nov.  7,  to  near  Rappahan 
nock  Station ;  Nov.  8,  crossed  river — camp  near  Mountain  Ford. 


CENTREVILLE  AND  THE  MINE  RUN  CAMPAIGN          283 

1863  November  27] 

making  another  attempt  to  inflict  damage  on  the  Southern 
army.  His  victory  at  Gettysburg  had  resulted  in  the  expulsion 
of  an  invading  force;  he  now  desired  to  inflict  a  blow  that 
should  cripple  his  antagonist. 

Lee's  army  was  south  of  the  Rapidan,  but  scattered  con 
siderably.  His  right  was  at  Mine  Run,  a  small  tributary  of 
the  Rapidan,  which  flowing  north  at  right  angles  to  that  river, 
empties  into  it  at  Morton's  Ford,  and  upon  this  stream  Lee 
seems  to  have  placed  considerable  reliance,  as  the  fords  across 
the  Rapidan  below  the  mouth  of  the  Run  were  left  unprotected. 
Meade  with  his  army,  north  of  the  Rapidan,  planned  to  cross 
by  these  unprotected  fords,  carrying  ten  days'  rations  with 
him,  and  by  rapid  movements  turn  the  Mine  Run  defenses  be 
fore  Lee  could  concentrate  his  forces  to  oppose  him.  The 
movement  was  to  commence  on  the  26th  of  November,1  and  on 
that  date  the  army  crossed  the  Rapidan.  The  success  of  the 
movement  was  entirely  dependent  upon  each  corps  moving  in 
exact  accordance  with  the  schedule  compiled.  But  the  Third 
corps  was  three  hours  late  in  reaching  the  point  assigned  to  it, 
and  the  engineers  bungled — making  the  pontoon  bridges  too 
short  to  span  the  Rapidan — thus  delaying  the  army  still  further 
while  they  concocted  temporary  extensions.  Instead  of  being 
across  early  on  the  26th  ready  to  advance,  the  columns  were 
hardly  in  position  to  advance  till  the  morning  of  the  27th.  By 
one  o'clock,  however,  the  Second  corps  reached  the  position  to 
which  it  had  been  ordered  and  opened  fire.  Here  it  should  have 
been  joined  by  the  Third  corps,  but  that  corps  had  moved  by 
the  wrong  road,  got  into  action,  and  by  the  time  it  had  extri 
cated  itself  and  got  into  touch  it  was  night.1 

1  The   Bucktails   were   ordered   nearer   to   the    river   on   the   24th. 
After  literally  wading  in  mud  they  returned  to  their  camp. 

*  The   Bucktails   leading  the   division,   crossed   on   pontoons   on   the 


284  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[27  November   1863 

Necessarily  the  Second  corps  could  not  advance  till  joined 
by  the  Third  corps  and  hence  remained  near  Robertson's 
Tavern.  The  Fifth  corps,  to  which  the  Bucktails  were  attached,1 
commanded  by  General  Sykes,  moved  down  the  Orange  Plank 
Road.  Near  White  Chapel  the  cavalry  was  attacked.  The 
Sixth  regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves  was  ordered  up, 
but  failed  to  drive  the  enemy  back.  The  Bucktails  then  moved 
to  the  right,  and  lay  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  the  entire 
afternoon,  two  men  being  wounded. 

Lee,  who  now  fully  understood  his  opponent's  intentions, 
had  not  been  idle :  he  had  moved  his  troops  to  the  best  possible 
positions  and  improved  his  defenses.  Meade,  though  aware 
that  his  original  plan  of  attack  had  been  made  impossible 
through  the  delay  in  the  movement  of  his  troops,  was  reluctant 
to  abandon  the  attack,  and  spent  the  28th  in  making  an  ex 
amination  of  the  position.2  Ultimately  it  was  decided  that 
Warren's  corps  should  attack  the  Confederate  right,  and  Sedg- 
wick's  corps,  supported  by  Sykes'  corps,  the  Confederate  left. 
On  the  29th,  the  troops  were  placed  in  position,  but  the 
operation  consumed  so  much  time  that  it  was  too  late  to  attack 
that  day.  The  charge  was  then  ordered  for  the  next  morning/' 

When  the  morning  came,  General  Warren  perceived  that 
the  works  he  was  intended  to  carry,  had  been  greatly  strength 
ened  in  the  night,  and  upon  his  own  authority  suspended  the 
charge,  till  General  Meade  could  make  a  personal  observation. 
His  judgment  was  confirmed  by  his  Commanding  General, 

26th,  then  moved  down  the  road  three  or  four  miles  and  bivouacked  for 
the  night. 

1  Bucktails  moved  by  daylight. 

2  The  Bucktails  were  withdrawn   from   their  position  to  the   rear. 
The  cold  was   aggravated  by  a  chilling  rain,  but  this   ceased  towards 
evening. 

s  The  attack  by  Warren  was  to  be  the  main  one. 


LLE  AND  THE  MINE  RUN  CAMPAIGN          285 

1863  December  5] 

who  then  realized  that  it  had  become  necessary  for  him  to 
forego  all  expectations  of  successful  attack,  and  to  prepare  to 
withdraw  his  troops  and  permit  them  to  go  into  winter  quar 
ters. 

The  operation  of  withdrawal  was  a  delicate  one.  The 
weather  was  intensely  cold,  and  the  positions  of  the  advanced 
troops  precluded  fires.  Some  of  the  men  were  frozen  to  death.1 

On  the  1st  of  December,  everything  was  frozen  solidly. 
The  Bucktails  were  forced  to  remain  in  the  rifle  pits  till  5 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  they  were  withdrawn,  a  com 
pany  at  a  time,  rifles  at  the  trail,  eighty  rods  to  the  rear  to 
relieve  some  troops  belonging  to  the  First  corps.  Here  at 
least  they  were  able  to  build  a  fire,  but  as  it  grew  dark  were 
ordered  to  fall  back  towards  the  Rapidan.  Throughout  the 
bitterly  cold  night  the  men  were  moving  —  about  two  rods  at  a 
time.  Crossing  the  river  at  4  A.  M.  on  the  2nd,  they  procured 
three  hours'  sleep  one  mile  north  of  its  bank.  By  7  A.  M.  they 
were  marching  again,  headed  northeast.2 

Going  into  camp  near  the  old  battle-field,  the  regiment  was 
divided,  the  right  wing  being  two  or  three  miles  farther  up  the 
railroad  than  the  left.  On  December  5th  General  Meade  re 
ported  its  strength  to  be  : 


Bucktails  late  in  the  afternoon  were  able  to  get  near  a  fire, 
for  a  short  time,  before  being  ordered  back. 

2  Dates  of  march  :  Dec.  3  to  Bealton  Station  ;  Dec.  4,  to  Bristoe 
Station;  Dec.  5,  to  Bull  Run.  The  official  casualty  report  (O.  R.  I. 
XXIX.  i.,  p.  683)  shows  the  Bucktail  loss  during  the  Mine  Run  cam 
paign  as  one  man  wounded.  Between  Gettysburg  and  the  spring  of 
1864  there  were  a  few  slight  changes  in  the  batteries  attached  to  the 
division;  and  by  December  31,  1863,  the  Organization  reports  (O.  R.  I. 
XXIX,  ii.,  p.  604)  show  that  the  nth  regiment  was  attached  to  the 
First  Brigade. 


286  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[5  December   1863 
Present  Absent.  Total. 

Officers 25  7  32 

Men    355  169  524 


Total   380  176  5561 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Niles,  although  he  returned  to  the  regi 
ment,  continued  to  suffer  from  the  wound  he  had  received  at 
Gettysburg  to  such  an  extent  as  to  prevent  his  taking  part  in 
an  active  campaign.  He  was  therefore  compelled  to  resign,2 
when  the  command  of  the  regiment  fell  upon  Major  Harts- 
horne.  Second-Lieutenant  William  Taylor,  of  Company  E, 
was  on  October  loth  promoted  to  First-Lieutenant.  The  usual 
camp  interests  resumed  sway.  Some  of  the  officers  went  to  the 
capital,  some  received  furloughs.  Troubles  having  arisen, 
Major  Hartshorne  issued  orders  forbidding  the  men  to  visit 
the  sutlers,  and  a  few  days  later  forbade  citizens  or  pie-ped 
dlers  to  enter  the  camp.  Recruiting  agents  became  extremely 
active,  and  scouting  parties  became  necessary  owing  to  the 
never  ceasing  activity  of  Mosby.3 

On  December  27th,  the  regiment  moved  down  the  rail 
road,  establishing  its  camp  at  Bristoe  Station,  where  it  re 
mained  till  the  spring,  when  the  army  under  General  Grant 
moved  against  Richmond. 

10.  R.  I.  XXIX,  ii.,  p.  559- 

2  Date   of  resignation  March   28,   1864.     For  subsequent  career  see 
biographical  note  in  chapter,  "Genesis  and  Organization." 

3  The    reputation   of   the    Bucktails    still    clung   to    them,    an   order 
being  read  to  the  men  relative  to  the  stealing  of  hay  and  grain  from 
cars.     It  is  but  fair  to  state,  that  General  Crawford  denounced  it  as  an 
unfair  charge  against  his  division. 


GEN.  W.  Ross  HARTSHORNE 


WITH   GRANT  TOWARDS   RICHMOND. 

I. 

THE     WILDERNESS/ 


The  spring  of  1864  was  to  inaugurate  another  campaign 
against  the  armies  of  the  South,  but  a  campaign  different  from 
those  that  had  preceded  it. 

When  on  July  3rd,  1863,  at  Gettysburg,  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  under  General  Meade  had  defeated  the  invading 
force,  great  thankfulness  had  been  felt  throughout  the  loyal 
States.  When,  in  addition,  on  July  4th,  General  Grant  had 
received  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg,  thus  giving  back  to  the 
nation  the  Mississippi,  from  its  source  to  its  mouth,  the  jubila 
tion  had  become  tumultuous.  Yet  General  Meade  had  obtained 
no  decided  advantage  over  his  opponent  since  Gettysburg,  and 
the  two  propositions  in  the  east  that  had  confronted  the  Gov 
ernment  at  the  beginning  of  the  war,  confronted  it  when  nearly 
three  years  had  elapsed  :  the  reduction  of  the  Confederate 
capital,  and  the  protection  of  Washington  from  an  active, 
present  and  dangerous  foe. 


official  casualty  report  for  May  5-7,  1864,  is  given  under  the 
heading  "Battle  of  the  Wilderness,"  with  the  following  note  :  "Embrac 
ing  all  combats  under  the  various  names  of  the  Wilderness,  Parker's 
"Store,  Craig's  Meeting  House,  Brock  Road,  Todd's  Tavern,  and  the 
"Furnaces."  The  fighting  during  May  was  so  continuous,  and  the  na 
ture  of  the  ground  of  such  a  character,  that  separate  names  were  given 
to  what  were  really  parts  of  the  same  battle  or  movement.  Throughout 
this  campaign  the  grouping  adopted  in  compiling  the  casualty  reports 
has  been  followed. 

a87 


288  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[February   1864 

In  the  west,  General  Grant  had  followed  up  the  early 
successes  of  Forts  Donelson  and  Henry  with  Vicksburg;  a 
little  later  winning  another  brilliant  victory  through  the  opera 
tions  in  the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga.  The  possessor  of  a  rec 
ord  of  great  personal  bravery  during  the  Mexican  War ; 
known  to  be  desirous  of  securing  the  best  material,  but  willing 
to  work  with  what  he  could  obtain ;  firm  and  inflexible  in  dis 
position  ;  calm  in  battle ;  resourceful  and  undefeated ;  the 
eyes  of  the  country  at  large  turned  towards  him.  On  Feb 
ruary  29th,  1864,  Congress  revived  the  grade  of  Lieutenant- 
General,  and  on  March  Qth  General  Grant  received  his  new 
commission  and  assumed  command  of  all  the  armies  of  the 
United  States. 

Possessed  of  an  extraordinary  ability  to  select  his  sub 
ordinates,  General  Grant  decided  to  make  his  headquarters 
with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  leaving  to  General  Sherman, 
aided  by  General  Thomas,  the  projected  movement  to  Atlanta. 
No  longer  were  the  various  armies  to  operate  disconnectedly. 
The  movements  projected  were  to  enclose  the  Confederates  in 
an  ever-closing  net.  On  the  north  the  Cumberland  and  Ten 
nessee  had  already  been  regained,  on  the  west  the  Mississippi ; 
now,  Sherman,  sweeping  southeastwardly  to  Atlanta  and  from 
thence  to  the  sea,  was  to  decrease  the  area  in  rebellion ;  while 
at  the  same  time  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  moving  overland, 
would  push  back  Lee's  forces,  till  they  reached  Richmond,  and 
turned  at  bay  to  make  a  last  stand.1 

When  General  Grant  assumed  command  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  he  realized  the  desire  of  the  nation  that  the  war 
should  be  brought  to  a  conclusion.  Personally  he  did  not  care 
for  taking  Richmond,  excepting  insofar  as  the  operation  in 
volved  fighting  Lee's  army.  To  fight  to-day,  to-morrow,  the 
next  day,  and  so  on,  indefinitely,  till  his  antagonist  was  entirely 

1  The  Army  of  the  James  was  also  to  move  in  co-operation. 


THE:  WILDERNESS  289 

1864  April] 

destroyed  was  his  wish.  He  was  no  longer  in  the  position  he 
had  been  in  when,  with  an  inferior  force,  he  placed  himself  be 
tween  Johnston  at  Jackson  and  Pemberton  at  Vicksburg,  taking 
both  towns  and  over  30,000  prisoners;  nor  when  with  15,000 
men  he  had  taken  Fort  Donelson  defended  by  20,000  men. 
He  knew  that  he  had  more  men  than  Lee;  that  he  could  fill 
any  depletion  in  his  ranks  that  might  occur,  while  Lee  could 
not;  and  above  all  he  knew  that  more  men  in  an  army  are 
killed  through  disease  and  hardships  than  fall  in  battle. 
Humanity  demanded  that  the  war  be  conducted  with  the  mini 
mum  of  death  and  illness.  Better  a  short  hard  struggle  than 
one  protracted  through  years.  The  heavier  "killed  in  battle" 
roll  would  be  more  than  offset  by  the  diminution  in  the  number 
of  those  who  succumbed  to  disease,  or  returned  to  their  homes 
disabled  for  life. 

By  the  end  of  April,  General  Grant  had  decided  upon  his 
plan  of  campaign.  At  General  Meade's  request,  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  had  been  reorganized  from  five  into  three  corps: 
the  Second  under  General  Hancock,  the  Fifth  under  General 
Warren,  and  the  Sixth  under  General  Sedgwick.  The  division 
of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  reduced  to  ten  regiments,  remained 
in  the  Fifth  corps,  the  brigade  organization  being: 

Third  Division. 

Brig.-Gen.  Samuel  W.  Crawford. 
First  Brigade  Col.  Joseph  W.  Fisher 

Col.  William  McCandless  Third  Brigade 

ist  Penna.  Reserves  5th  Penna.  Reserves 

2nd  Penna.  Reserves  8th  Penna.  Reserves 

6th  Penna.  Reserves  loth  Penna.  Reserves 

7th  Penna.  Reserves  I2th  Penna.  Reserves1 

nth  Penna.  Reserves 
1 3th  Penna.  Reserves 
(Bucktails) 

1O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  1 10. 

20 


290  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  April  1864 

The  reduction  in  the  number  of  regiments  was  occasioned 
by  the  Third  and  Fourth  having  been  ordered  to  western 
Virginia.  Attached  to  General  Crook's  forces  they  maintained 
the  reputation  of  the  division  in  skirmishes  and  battles,  in 
cluding  Cloyd's  Mountain.  The  Ninth  regiment's  term  expired 
upon  May  4th,  and  they  were  ordered  home. 

In  planning  his  campaign,  General  Grant  had  two  options. 
The  Confederates,  under  General  Lee,  lay  some  distance  below 
the  Rapidan,  behind  the  defenses  at  Mine  Run  which  had 
stopped  Meade  when  he  had  attempted  to  turn  them.  If  the 
Union  army,  crossing  the  river,  turned  the  Confederate  left 
flank,  Lee  must  retreat  directly  upon  Richmond.  But  such  an 
advance  would  render  difficult,  if  not  doubtful,  the  Union  sup 
plies.1  By  attacking  the  Confederate  right  flank  supplies  could 
be  forwarded  partially  by  water.2  Therefore  the  advance  by 
the  latter  way  was  decided  upon. 

On  April  3Oth,  under  command  of  Major  Hartshorne,  the 
Bucktails,  with  their  division,  marched  to  Culpeper. 

Before  leaving  Washington  they  had  turned  in  the  Sharps 
breech-loading  rifles  and  received  Spencer  repeaters.  These 
latter  were  magnificent  weapons  for  skirmish  work,  the  maga 
zine  having  a  capacity  of  seven  cartridges.  After  firing,  a  single 

1  Grant's  experiences  in  the  Commissary  Department  always  stood 
him  in  good  stead.  His  forces  never  ran  out  of  ammunition,  nor  did 
they  go  hungry. 

slt  is  impossible  to  refrain  from  a  digression.  Grant  has  been 
repeatedly  blamed  for  choosing  the  overland  route,  and  his  critics  have 
thought  to  enforce  their  point,  by  insisting  that  he  was  ultimately  forced 
to  do  what  McClellan  did  originally  from  choice — operate  from  the 
James  River.  But  Badeau  quotes  a  letter  written  by  General  Grant 
to  General  Halleck  on  April  29,  1864,  that  is  illuminating:  "When  we 
"get  once  established  on  the  James  river."  ("Military  History  of 
"Ulysses  S.  Grant,"  Vol.  II,  p.  48.) 


THE  WILDERNESS  291 

1864  May  4] 

movement  of  a  lever  both  ejected  the  used  shell  and  brought 
the  next  one  into  position. 

On  May  4th,  the  regiment  crossed  the  Rapidan  at  Ger- 
manna  Ford.  Below,  lay  the  Wilderness. 

To  understand  what  took  place,  it  is  necessary  to  obtain 
some  idea  of  the  ground  designated  as  the  Wilderness.  In 
extent  it  covers  several  miles,  and  in  every  place  is  thickly 
wooded,  the  thicket  being  broken  occasionally  by  narrow  roads. 
Mineral  mining  having  been  carried  on  there,  in  the  times  of 
Governor  Spottswood,  the  timber  had  been  cut  down  to  make 
fuel  for  the  furnaces.  Thus  a  dense  undergrowth  arose,  min 
gled  with  scraggy  pines,  scrub  oaks  and  hazels.  Cavalry  in 
such  territory  was  useless,  artillery  excepting  at  occasional 
roads  futile,  the  maneuvering  of  infantry  forces  impossible. 
There  are  three  principal  roads  in  the  Wilderness:  the  Ste- 
vensburg  plank  road  running  southerly  from  the  Germanna 
Ford,  which  connects  with  the  Brock  road  which  in  turn 
emerges  on  the  southern  side  of  the  Wilderness;  and  two 
roads  that  cross  the  Stevensburg  plank  road  at  right  angles,  the 
more  northern  of  the  two  being  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg 
turnpike,  and  the  more  southern  the  Orange  and  Fredericks- 
burg  plank  road.  The  distance  between  these  two  roads  where 
they  cross  the  Stevensburg  plank  road  is  about  two  miles. 

The  line  of  march  decided  upon  by  General  Grant  in 
volved  the  traversing  of  the  Wilderness  by  his  army.  He 
apparently  did  not  wish  to  give  battle  there,  but  such  an  event 
was  not  entirely  unexpected:  at  the  same  time  he  must  have 
recognized  that  such  a  jungle  would  prevent  the  bringing  into 
play  of  his  preponderance  of  force.  Almost  certainly  he  hoped 
to  pass  the  Wilderness  before  Lee  attacked.  But  Lee,  recog 
nizing  the  immense  importance  of  stopping  the  campaign  in 
its  incipiency,  also  saw  that  the  nature  of  the  Wilderness  would 


292  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[5  May  1864 

render  the  numerical  inferiority  of  his  forces  of  less  moment; 
instead  of  waiting,  he  moved  forward  to  meet  his  antagonist. 
Before  the  real  battle  of  the  6th,  Grant  was  strengthened  by 
Burnside's  Ninth  corps,  and  Lee  by  Longstreet,  with  14,000 
men.1  Warren's  corps  moved  south  from  the  Germanna  Ford 
in  the  direction  of  Parker's  Store,  which  is  on  the  Orange  plank 
road  between  two  and  three  miles  west  of  the  point  where  that 
road  meets  the  Stevensburg  plank  road.  As  the  Union  line 
of  march  may  be  described  as  through  the  Wilderness  from 
north  to  south,  Lee  decided  to  attack  the  flank,  by  advancing 
troops  over  both  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  turnpike  and 
the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  plank  road,  both  of  which,  as 
previously  stated,  bisect  the  line  formed  by  the  Stevensburg 
plank  road  and  its  continuation,  the  Brock  road. 

The  Reserves,  early  on  the  5th,  had  moved  forward  till 
they  struck  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  plank  road,  a  little 
west  of  the  Stevensburg  plank  road.  Now  ordered  to  advance 
towards  Parker's  Store,  the  command  was  formed  with  the 
Bucktails  on  the  left  of  the  line,  holding  the  road,  and  the 
First  regiment,  at  their  left,  at  right  angles  to  their  line  and 
facing  the  road.  Some  time  in  the  afternoon  the  enemy  was 
encountered.  A  regiment  of  dismounted  cavalry,  engaged  in 
the  woods  in  the  front,  were  being  by  sheer  weight  driven 
back.  Major  Hartshorne  ordered  his  regiment  forward  and 
gave  instructions  to  the  men  to  conceal  themselves,  as  far  as 
possible,  behind  the  trees  and  logs.  Then  notice  was  sent  to 
the  cavalry  of  the  position  assumed,  and  a  suggestion  made 
that  it  fall  back  slowly  behind  the  line  formed,  so  as  to  draw 
the  enemy  forward  and  into  position  to  receive  the  fire  of  the 
Bucktails.  The  cavalrymen,  who  seem  to  have  been  fighting 

1Then  General  Grant  had  116,886  men,  and  Lee  75,391,  according 
to  Badeau.  ("Military  History  of  Ulysses  S.  Grant,"  Vol.  II.,  p.  94-95-) 


THE:  WILDERNESS  293 

1864  May  5] 

since  morning,  were  nothing  loath,  and  the  ground  itself  was 
extremely  favorable  to  the  execution  of  the  plan.  In  the  front 
of  the  Bucktails  the  woods  were  clear  of  underbrush  for  a 
hundred  and  fifty  yards,  sloping  down  to  a  small  stream,  and 
beyond  the  stream  the  corresponding  rise  was  also  clear.  While 
waiting  their  chance,  the  words  of  the  Confederate  officers, 
encouraging  their  troops,  were  plainly  audible  to  the  Bucktails. 
The  opposing  infantry  was  urged  to  charge  and  capture  the 
Yankees,  who  "were  only  a  handful  of  dismounted  cavalry 
"anyhow."  Both  the  Bucktails  and  cavalrymen  smiled. 

When  the  cavalrymen  falling  back  reached  the  farther  side 
of  the  clearing,  the  paucity  of  their  number  became  apparent  to 
the  Confederates,  who  charged  boldly.  The  object  being 
achieved,  the  cavalrymen  then  quickly  retreated  behind  the  line 
of  the  Bucktails,  who  immediately  poured  in  volley  after  volley 
from  their  new  Spencer  repeaters.  The  severity  and  unexpect 
edness  of  the  attack  demoralized  the  charging  party  and,  com 
pletely  routed,  it  retreated  precipitately;  though  not  till  one 
man,  whom  an  officer  was  trying  to  persuade  to  make  a  stand 
by  assuring  him  that  there  was  nothing  in  front  but  some  dis 
mounted  cavalry,  was  heard  to  exclaim :  "Cavalry  h — 1 :  cav- 
"alry  don't  carry  knapsacks  and  wear  bucktails." 

Major  Hartshorne  had  reported  to  General  Crawford,  that 
the  enemy  appeared  to  be  in  force  upon  his  front,  and  that  his 
(the  enemy's)  line  extended  beyond  his  own  right  flank.  Gen 
eral  Crawford  ordered  the  brigade  forward,  and  directed 
Major  Hartshorne  to  hold  his  position. 

Wadsworth's  division  of  the  Fifth  corps,  to  the  right  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  was  strengthened  by  the  Second, 
Seventh  and  Eleventh  Reserves,  and  as  Wads  worth  then  suc 
ceeded  in  driving  back  the  enemy  in  his  front,  he  opened  a 
gap  between  his  division  and  the  Reserves,  so  that  the  latter 


294  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[5  May  1864 

became  isolated.  A  signal  officer  was  despatched  to  General 
Crawford,  notifying  him  that  if  he  did  not  withdraw  his  men 
promptly,  they  would  be  surrounded  and  cut  off.  Great  efforts 
were  made  to  save  the  imperilled  regiments,  and  ultimately  all 
but  the  Seventh,  which  was  captured,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  men,  were  extricated.1 

When  Major  Hartshorne  had  found  that  the  enemy  was 
massing  upon  his  left,  he  had  ordered  Companies  E  and  K, 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Bard,  to  move  deployed  as  skir 
mishers  in  that  direction,  the  right  of  the  two  companies  to 
rest  on  the  regiment.  The  right  flank  also  being  threatened, 
he  had  then  formed  two  other  companies  at  right  angles  on  the 
right,  so  as  to  complete  the  formation  of  three  sides  of  a  square. 

The  regiment  was  in  a  dangerous  position.  Though  the 
enemy  in  front  withheld  his  fire,  he  did  so  evidently  only  while 
waiting  for  his  flanking  parties  to  reach  the  positions  assigned 
to  them.  Fortunately  an  Aide  rode  up  to  Major  Hartshorne  at 
this  moment  with  orders  to  withdraw.  A  few  minutes  sufficed 
to  rally  the  six  companies  in  the  center  and  the  two  upon  the 
right,  but  the  message  failed  to  reach  the  two  companies  on 
the  left  and  it  soon  became  apparent  that  they  had  been  left 
behind.  Major  Hartshorne  sent  a  special  messenger  after 
them,  though  apparently  they  had  but  a  slim  chance  of  escaping. 
Lieutenant  Bard,  when  he  did  receive  the  message,  had  the 
order  passed  along  for  the  rear  to  close  up  double-quick.  Then 
when  the  companies  had  closed  up  the  order  to  run  was  given. 
The  men  started  like  a  flash  across  a  field,  which  the  Con 
federates  entered  at  the  same  moment  from  the  opposite  side, 

1  Sypher  in  his  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps" 
usually  so  clear,  is  slightly  contradictory  in  his  report  of  this  operation ; 
so  that  in  default  of  information,  the  movement  cannot  be  accurately 
explained  excepting  insofar  as  the  Bucktails  are  concerned. 


THE  WILDERNESS  295 

1864  May  6] 

then  down  into  a  small  ravine,  exposed  on  both  sides  to  a  flank 
ing  fire,  and  then  up  again  to  join  the  rest  of  the  regiment, 
which  gave  three  cheers  in  their  honor  as  they  appeared. 

Rifle  pits  were  thrown  up  in  the  new  position,  and  shortly 
after  the  battle  ceased. 

The  Confederates  had  also  attacked  north  of  Warren's 
corps  on  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  turnpike,  and  though 
it  must  be  admitted  Warren's  corps  had  been  driven,  yet  the 
net  result  of  the  day's  operations  was  the  formation  of  the 
lines  upon  which  the  battle  would  be  fought  the  next  day.  The 
lines  thus  drawn  were  practically  parallel,  the  Union  army 
facing  west,  having  its  right  flank  near  the  northern  boundary 
of  the  Wilderness  and  its  left  flank  near  the  southern  boun 
dary.  Moreover,  Lee  by  moving  to  attack  had  abandoned  the 
entrenchments  he  had  constructed  during  the  winter  at  Mine 
Run. 

During  the  night  both  commanders  decided  to  assume  the 
offensive  as  soon  as  it  became  light.  Grant's  corps  were  placed 
from  north  to  south  as  follows:  Sedgwick,  Warren,  Burnside 
and  Hancock,  but  as  two  divisions  were  detached  from  War 
ren's  to  strengthen  Hancock's  corps,  the  two  divisions  left, 
Griffin's  and  the  Reserves,  were  reduced  to  the  defensive.  The 
battle  defies  description.  Both  armies  had  thrown  up  intrench- 
ments  and  the  day  was  spent  in  charges  and  counter-charges. 
So  dense  was  the  wood  and  underbrush  that  the  officers  were 
compelled  to  judge  of  the  progress  of  the  battle  by  the  sound 
of  the  musketry.  In  the  midst  of  gloom  and  darkness  the  two 
armies  grappled,  each  endeavoring  to  inflict  a  mortal  wound 
on  the  other.  No  regiment  knew  what  its  neighbor  did,  nor 
one  brigade  what  its  companion  achieved. 

During  the  greater  part  of  the  day  the  Bucktails  were 
actively  engaged ;  at  one  time,  with  the  division,  being  ordered 


296  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[6  May  1864 

to  the  support  of  General  Hancock.  Their  support  not  being 
required,  they  were  ordered  back  to  their  former  position. 
With  darkness  the  battle  died  down,  but  late  in  the  evening  a 
night  attack  on  Sedgwick's  corps  caused  the  Reserves  to  be 
ordered  to  its  support.  Again  their  assistance  was  not  re 
quired  and  again  they  marched  back. 

With  this  action  ended  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness.  The 
mortality  was  tremendous  on  both  sides,  and  the  horror  that 
attends  all  battles  had  been  increased,  during  the  afternoon  of 
the  6th,  by  a  portion  of  the  woods  catching  fire  and  burning 
some  hundreds  of  the  wounded  to  death.  The  official  casualty 
reports  for  the  period  of  May  5-7,  1864,  for  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  and  Burnside's  corps,  show  a  total  of  17,666  killed, 
wounded  and  missing:1  the  Confederate  loss  is  unknown,  yet 
when  it  is  remembered  that  they  assumed  the  offensive  as  fre 
quently  as  their  opponents,  it  cannot  have  been  much  less. 

The  loss  in  the  Bucktail  regiment  was : 

Killed.    Wounded.     Missing.     Total. 

Officers  

Men   3  31  3  37 

Total  3  31  3  37* 

Reconnaissances,  made  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  showed 
General  Grant  that  Lee  was  deserting  his  position.  Neither 
army  was  anxious  to  resume  battle  under  such  fearful  condi 
tions  and  already  Lee  was  moving  southward. 

One  of  these  reconnaissances  was  made  about  noon  on  the 

1O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  133. 

3O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  124.  It  is  a  matter  of  regret,  that  the 
official  reports,  both  of  this  battle,  and  of  the  others  during  this  cam 
paign,  deal  but  slightly  with  individual  regiments.  The  largeness  of  the 
operations,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  battle  followed  battle  is  the 
natural  explanation.  The  other  sources  previously  mentioned  have 
therefore  been  laid  under  special  contribution. 


THE:  WILDERNESS  297 

1864  May  7] 

7th,  when  the  Bucktails  were  ordered  to  advance  along  a 
country  road,  deployed  as  skirmishers.  Major  Hartshorne  de 
ployed  Companies  G  and  D  on  the  right  side  of  the  road,  two 
other  companies  on  the  left,  and  held  the  remaining  six  in 
reserve.  Companies  G  and  D  soon  met  the  enemy  in  force  when 
Major  Hartshorne  ordered  up  Companies  F  and  K  to  their 
support.  These  two  latter  companies  were  to  deploy  in  the 
intervals  of  the  other  two  companies  then  engaged,  making  a 
double  line  of  skirmishers.  Attaining  the  ordered  formation, 
a  charge  was  made,  the  Confederates  retreating  to  the  protec 
tion  of  some  rocks.  It  was  then  decided  that  the  line  in  front 
of  the  rocks  should  hold  its  position,  and  that  the  other  por 
tions  of  the  regiment  should  outflank  the  foe.  Before  this 
could  be  done,  an  order  from  General  Crawford  was  received 
ordering  the  regiment  to  withdraw.  Great  was  the  chagrin 
felt.  Twenty  minutes  would  have  sufficed  to  effect  the  capture 
of  the  Confederates,  who  numbered  two  or  three  hundred. 
Though  the  skirmish  did  not  last  many  minutes  it  was  very 
severe,  the  loss  entailed  by  the  Bucktails  constituting  the  greater 
part  of  that  included  in  the  casualty  report  for  the  three  days. 
Carrying  its  dead  and  wounded  with  it,  the  regiment  returned 
to  its  place  in  the  division.1 

General  Grant  in  moving  through  the  Wilderness  had 
designed  to  turn  Lee's  flank;  this  he  had  done.  With  the 
heavy  loss  he  had  suffered,  a  retreat  for  a  time  while  he  re 
habilitated  his  army,  or  a  period  of  rest  for  the  same  purpose, 
would  have  been  justified  by  precedent.  The  men  in  the  regi 
ment  expected  it.  The  aftermaths  of  the  Peninsular,  Antietam 
and  Gettysburg  campaigns  were  fresh  in  their  memories.  But 

lln  his  reports  of  the  skirmishes  on  this  day,  General  Crawford 
gave  the  loss  of  the  Bucktails  as  25  men  wounded,  2  mortally.  (O.  R. 
I.  XXXVI.  ii.,  p.  504-505.) 


298  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[7  May  1864 

they  did  not  at  that  time  know  their  commander.  Grant  never 
gave  ground,  never  went  back.  The  Army  of  the  Potomac 
had  been  fashioned  in  the  first  place  by  General  McClellan  and 
tempered  by  General  Meade ;  now  the  weapon  was  in  the  hands 
of  one  who,  recognizing  its  workmanship  and  its  temper, 
would  drive  it  home. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  7th,  the  army  received  orders  to 
move — not  rearward  but  forward — towards  Spottsylvania 
Court  House,  on  parallel  roads  to  that  pursued  by  its  antag 
onist. 


WITH   GRANT  TOWARDS   RICHMOND. 

II. 

SPOTTSYLVANIA    COURT    HOUSE.1 


General  Grant,  in  drawing  his  line  of  advance  through 
the  Wilderness,  contemplated  not  only  the  turning  of  Lee's 
right  flank,  but  also  a  continuance  of  his  march  towards  Rich 
mond  via  Spottsylvania.  Spottsylvania  is  from  ten  to  fifteen 
miles  below  the  Wilderness,  Todd's  Tavern  being  between  the 
two.  With  the  cessation  of  the  battle,  and  the  growing  cer 
tainty  that  Lee  was  withdrawing,  Grant  decided  to  move  for 
ward  to  Spottsylvania,  and  to  Warren's  Fifth  corps  was  given 
the  advance,  it  being  ordered  not  to  march  till  10  p.  M.,  when 
it  was  hoped  that  darkness  would  screen  the  movement.  But 
Lee's  army  was  directed  to  the  same  goal,  and  by  accident 
arrived  first.* 

The  Union  cavalry  first  came  into  contact  with  the  Con 
federates  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  at  Todd's  Tavern,  driving 

1  The  official  casualty  report  for  the  period  May  8-21,  1864,  is  headed 
"Spottsylvania  Court  House,"  but  a  note  states  that  the  report  includes 
the  casualties  at  Todd's  Tavern,  Corbin's  Bridge,  Alsop's  Farm,  Laurel 
Hill,  Ny  River,   Po  River,   The  Angle  or  the   Salient,   Piney  Branch 
Church,  Harris'  Farm,  Guiney's  Station,  etc.   The  contests  in  which  the 
Bucktails  participated  between  May  8th  and  May  21  st  have  therefore 
been  grouped  together  in  this  chapter. 

2  The    Confederate   General   Anderson   had   been   ordered   by   Lee 
to  withdraw  his  troops  from  the  breastworks,  camp  them,  and  hold 
them  in  readiness  to  march  the  next  morning.     Not  finding  a  suitable 
place  to  camp,  Anderson  commenced  his  march  about  the  same  time 
that  Warren  did,  but  he  had  a  shorter  route. 


3<x>  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[8  May  1864 

them  back.  Robinson's  and  Griffin's  divisions,  of  Warren's 
Fifth  corps,  were  sent  forward,  one  after  the  other,  when  in 
fantry  was  encountered  in  force.  These  two  divisions  also 
pushed  their  opponents  back,  till  the  latter  reached  their  in- 
trenchments  some  three  miles  north  of  Spottsylvania  Court 
House.  Then  the  fighting  became  severe  and  Crawford's 
division  of  the  Reserves,  with  Cutler's  division,  moved  up 
to  the  assistance  of  the  two  divisions  of  their  corps  that  were 
already  engaged. 

The  Confederates  were  posted  upon  a  ridge  and  were 
protected  by  woods,  thus  rendering  an  attack  a  difficult  and 
dangerous  matter.  Their  position  was  also  made  stronger  by 
a  small  creek.  As  the  Bucktails  came  into  fire  they  moved 
into  the  protection  of  a  piece  of  woods  upon  the  left  flank  of 
Griffin's  division.  Hardly  had  they  done  so  when  Major  Harts- 
horne  perceived  that  the  Confederates  had  moved  forward 
a  column  to  attack  Griffin's  flank.  As  in  so  doing  their  own 
flank  was  presented  to  the  Bucktails,  without  an  instant's  hesi 
tation  the  Major  ordered  Captain  Mack  to  deploy  with  the 
first  platoon  of  his  company  as  skirmishers.  The  order  was 
executed  as  promptly  as  it  was  given.  Placing  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  little  squad,  Captain  Mack  charged  the  enemy. 
The  suddenness  and  vehemence  of  the  assault  had  the  desired 
effect.  The  attempted  flank  movement  was  abandoned,  but 
the  price  paid  by  the  assailants  was  heavy.  Every  man  in  the 
party  was  killed  or  wounded,  Captain  Mack  himself  sustaining 
two  wounds. 

The  remainder  of  the  regiment  participated  in  a  charge 
on  the  general  Confederate  position,  wading  knee  deep  through 
mud  and  water,  and  being  raked  by  shrapnel.  The  enemy  was 
driven  back  to  his  second  line  of  entrenchments ;  but  Colonel 
McCandless,  who  led  the  charge  with  conspicuous  gallantry,  fell 


SPOTTSYI^VANIA  COURT  HOUSE:  301 

1864  May  9] 

wounded.  Deprived  of  their  leader,  and  more  or  less  disor 
ganized  through  the  distance  they  had  advanced,  the  Reserves 
shortly  after  fell  back.1 

Before  nightfall  the  Sixth  corps  under  General  Sedgwick 
arrived  and  another  attack  was  decided  upon.  The  Reserves 
were  formed  in  two  lines,  the  First  brigade,  now  commanded 
by  Colonel  Talley,  in  front,  followed  by  the  Third  brigade,  now 
commanded  by  Colonel  Baily,  while  a  third  line  under  com 
mand  of  Colonel  Herring  was  ordered  to  support  them.  Three 
times  the  line  was  led  forward  to  the  charge  only  to  be  each 
time  repulsed.  Then  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  conflict,  and 
during  the  night  the  Reserves  fell  back  to  the  line  of  the  army. 
During  the  day's  fighting  Daniel  Orcutt,  Second-Lieutenant 
of  Company  A,  was  killed ;  Daniel  Blett,  Second-Lieutenant  of 
Company  F,  was  severely  wounded,  and  Captain  Samuel  A. 
Mack,  of  Company  E,  twice  wounded.2 

The  greater  part  of  the  9th  of  May  was  occupied  by  both 
sides  in  placing  troops  in  position.  The  Union  line,  which  was 
formed  from  right  to  left  by  Hancock's,  Warren's,  Sedgwick's 
and  Burnside's  corps,  was  parallel  with  the  Confederate  line; 
but  both  lines  might  be  described  as  semicircles,8  the  Confed- 

1  General  Crawford  who  had  been  injured  by  being  struck  by  the 
top  of  a  tree,  which,  cut  from  the  main  tree  by  a  shell,  fell  upon  him, 
was  unable  to  accompany  the  charge  in  person.  When  Colonel  Mc- 
Candless  fell,  Colonel  Tally  assumed  command  of  the  brigade,  but  was 
shortly  after  captured.  Then  Colonel  Robert  A.  McCoy,  Assistant- 
Adjutant  on  General  Crawford's  staff,  ordered  Colonel  Ent  to  take 
command,  which  the  latter  did,  till  finding  Colonel  Jackson  the  ranking 
officer  on  the  firing  line,  he  was  enabled  to  turn  the  command  over  to 
him. 

a  The  casualties  amongst  the  men  day  by  day  are  unknown.  They 
are  included  in  the  statement  for  May  Sth  to  2ist. 

8  Naturally,  this  term  is  not  accurate,  the  lines  being  for  the  most 
part  made  up  of  straight  lines,  angles,  etc. 


302  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[9  May  1864 

erate  line  being  enclosed  by  the  Union  one.  Near  the  center 
of  the  Confederate  line  was  a  salient  destined  to  be  the  point 
of  fiercest  combat.  The  entire  position  of  the  Confederates 
was  one  of  great  strength,  and  for  the  most  part  was  established 
on  a  ridge.  Earthworks  and  abatis  were  constructed,  and  the 
attack  awaited  with  equanimity. 

Early  in  the  morning  the  Reserves  were  ordered  to  relieve 
some  troops  in  the  Sixth  corps,  and  took  position  in  the  en 
trenchments  ;  but  the  First  brigade  was  soon  directed  to  make 
a  reconnaissance  toward  the  Po  River.  The  Bucktails  under 
Major  Hartshorne,  accompanied  by  Colonel  McCoy,  were  sent 
forward  as  skirmishers,  supported  by  the  First  regiment.  The 
skirmishers  advanced  to  the  river  and  a  battery,  which  accom 
panied  them,  shelled  the  enemy's  trains  which  were  passing  on 
the  other  side.  Some  good  rifle  practice  was  shown.  A  squad 
of  Berdan  sharpshooters  armed  with  heavy  rifles  with  globe 
sights  were  sent  to  attempt  to  pick  off  some  sharpshooters  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river.  The  time  they  required  to  load  and 
fire  amused  the  Bucktails,  the  more  especially  as  subsequently  to 
each  discharge  the  opposing  sharpshooters  apparently  remained 
unharmed.  Permission  was  obtained  by  one  of  the  Bucktails' 
officers  to  let  his  men  try  their  skill.  Measuring  the  distance 
with  his  eye,  he  called  to  his  first  platoon,  "Elevate  your  sights 
"for  1,000  yards  and  fire  high."  The  men  fired  almost  instantly, 
dropping  two  men  and  sending  the  others  scurrying  to  cover. 
Returning  to  their  position  the  Bucktails  with  the  division  par 
ticipated  in  a  charge  about  6  p.  M.  It  had  been  decided  by  Gen 
eral  Grant  to  assault  heavily  on  the  following  morning,  and  cer 
tain  changes  in  position  were  considered  desirable — in  fact  the 
entire  line  was  to  draw  nearer  to  their  opponents.  At  the 
proper  moment  Warren's  Fifth  corps  moved  forward  on  the 
center,  driving  the  enemy  back  half  a  mile.  The  Reserves 


SPOTTSYLVANIA  COURT  HOUSE  303 

1864  May  10] 

repulsed  on  their  first  charge,  carried  the  enemy's  first  de 
fenses  on  the  second  effort.  Unable  to  capture  the  second  line, 
they  then  entrenched  for  the  night  on  the  ground  they  had  won. 
The  next  morning,  the  loth,  the  artillery  played  freely 
upon  the  enemy's  position,  and  skirmishing  proceeded  without 
intermission,  preparatory  to  putting  in  execution  the  Union 
Commander's  design  to  carry  the  works  in  front  of  him  by 
assault.  Practically,  Grant's  plan  was  to  have  an  assault  made 
upon  the  salient  by  a  portion  of  the  Sixth  corps,  while  the  other 
columns  were  to  take  advantage  of  the  efforts  made  by  the 
enemy  to  repulse  the  attack,  and  advance  themselves.  When 
towards  evening  the  attack  was  made,  Colonel  Upton  command 
ing  the  Second  brigade,  First  division,  Sixth  corps,  penetrated 
the  second  line  of  intrenchments,  captured  over  a  thousand 
prisoners  and  several  stands  of  colors,  until  being  himself 
unsupported  while  the  enemy  was  reinforced,  he  was  com 
pelled  to  fall  back.  The  Pennsylvania  Reserves  charged,  with 
a  column  led  by  General  Warren  in  person.1  The  point  of 
their  attack  was  a  densely  wooded  crest,  crowned  by  earth 
works,  and  additionally  protected  by  a  dense  thicket  of  low 
cedars.  The  first  charge  was  repulsed.  Moving  once  again 
to  the  task,  the  men  fought  forward  and  upward  desperately. 
Before  being  driven  back  it  is  claimed  that  men  from  both 
Gibbon's  division  and  Crawford's  division  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves  reached  the  breastworks.2  At  various  points  charge 
after  charge  was  made  without  any  better  result,  till  darkness 
put  an  end  to  battle.  The  loss  on  the  Union  side  was  terrible 
and  the  Confederates,  though  suffering  less,  by  no  means  es- 

xThe  column  included  portions  of  both  Gibbon's  and  Birney's 
divisions  of  the  Second  corps. 

'  "The  Virginia  Campaign  of  '64  and  '65,"  by  Major-General  A.  A. 
Humphreys,  p.  82. 


304  HISTORY  0*  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[10  May  1864 

caped  punishment.  Though  attacks  had  been  made  from  end 
to  end  of  the  line  without  apparent  advantage  Grant  was  satis 
fied.  He  knew  now  the  weakest  spot  in  his  opponent's  defense, 
and  had,  by  the  vigor  of  his  attack,  so  cowed  him  that  he  never 
again  undertook  an  offensive  movement.1  Grant  therefore  on 
the  following  day  sent  his  famous  despatch  to  the  Government : 
"I  ...  propose  to  fight  it  out  on  this  line  if  it  takes  all 
summer."8 

At  the  same  time,  he  resolved  to  attack  the  salient  with  a 
powerful  force.  The  whole  of  the  nth  was  occupied  in  moving 
various  troops;  Hancock's  corps,  the  Second,  having  been 
selected  to  make  the  assault.  The  Bucktails  spent  the  day  in 
the  rifle  pits. 

Realizing  the  advantage  to  be  gained  by  surprise,  General 
Hancock  charged  forward  in  a  fog  at  4.30  A.  M.  Before  his 
movement  was  noticed  he  was  half  way  to  the  goal.  Then  his 
men  burst  into  a  cheer  and  with  a  rush  leaped  inside  the  salient. 
So  sudden  was  the  attack  that  Major-General  Edward  John 
son  and  his  entire  division  of  4,000  men  were  captured,  as  was 
also  Brigadier-General  George  Stuart.  Lee  recognized  the 
danger  of  permitting  such  a  position  to  menace  his  center  and 
strove  to  retake  it.  Across  the  base  of  the  salient  he  had 
established  other  works,  and  now  he  poured  men  into  the 
salient  itself.  If  his  men  on  the  loth  had  labored  under  the 
disadvantage  of  defending  a  salient,  which  of  necessity  is 
always  subjected  to  flanking  fires,  their  case  was  worse  now 
when  they  must  assault  a  reentrant  angle.  Five  times,  during 
the  course  of  the  day,  distinct  charges  were  made,  each  of 
which  was  repulsed.  The  flags  of  both  armies  waved  at  the 

xThe  attempt  on  the  I2th  to  recapture  the  salient  cannot  justly 
be  termed  an  offensive  operation. 

1  Grant  to  Halleck :   O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  ii.,  p.  627. 


SPOTTSYLVANIA  COURT  HOUSE  305 

1864  May  13] 

same  moment  over  the  same  breastworks,  while  beneath  them 
Federal  and  Confederate  endeavored  to  drive  home  the  bayonet 
through  the  interstices  of  the  logs.  The  fire  was  so  intense, 
that  in  one  instance  an  oak  tree,  nearly  two  feet  in  diameter, 
was  cut  through  by  bullets,  and  falling  injured  several  men  of 
a  South  Carolina  regiment.1  The  combat  ceased  at  midnight. 
In  the  early  part  of  the  day  Warren's  Fifth  corps  had  charged 
without  breaking  through,  then  the  Second  and  Sixth  corps 
requiring  assistance,  two  divisions  were  detached,  leaving 
Crawford's  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  Colonel  Kitching  and  a 
Maryland  brigade  to  hold  Warren's  entire  line.* 

With  some  lesser  attacks  made  by  Lee  before  4  A.  M.  of 
the  1 3th,  the  real  fighting  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House  ceased. 
For  a  week  following,  the  troops  were  marched  and  counter 
marched,  while  an  attempt  was  made  to  place  them  in  a  posi 
tion  to  make  a  successful  assault.  But  Lee,  watching  hawk- 
eyed,  continued  to  move  his  troops  so  as  to  circumvent  his 
antagonist  and  to  protect  the  threatened  point,  while  his  engi 
neers,  with  remarkable  rapidity,  threw  up  works  whose  strength 
plainly  rendered  frontal  attacks  futile.  Gradually  the  positions 
of  the  armies  altered.  At  the  beginning,  Grant's  line  had  been 
northwest  of  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  but  the  perpetual 
reaching-outs  to  envelop  the  Confederate  right  flank  resulted 
by  the  i8th  of  May  in  the  line  being  due  east  of  that  point. 

Each  day  during  this  period  skirmishes  took  place,  and 
attacks  were  made,  but  none  wrere  important  in  a  military  sense. 
General  Warren's  corps  was  ordered  on  the  I3th  to  move  to  the 
left  of  Burnside's  corps.  The  previous  night  had  been  rainy 
and  the  men  had  had  but  little  sleep.  The  greater  part  of  the 

1  "A  short  History  of  the  War  of  Secession,"  by  Rossiter  Johnson, 
P.  385- 

1  Warren's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  541. 

21 


306  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[13  May  1864 

day  itself  was  spent  in  constructing  a  shorter  defense  line,  and 
at  9.30  P.  M.  the  march  was  started.  Marching  all  night 
through  rain  and  mud,  over  roads  that  none  of  them  had  trav 
elled  before,  and  fording  the  Ny  River,  many  of  the  men  from 
weariness  and  exhaustion  gave  out.1  The  position  assigned  to 
Warren  was  a  slight  eminence.  Some  skirmishing  took  place 
during  the  day,  but  by  the  night  of  the  I4th  it  appears  the 
position  was  safely  occupied.8 

The  eminence  now  occupied  by  the  Reserves  was  on  the 
road  that  runs  between  Spottsylvania  Court  House  and  Fred- 
ericksburg.  From  the  crest  of  the  hill  the  Court  House  itself 
was  in  plain  view.  On  the  i8th  an  assault  by  the  line  was 
ordered  by  General  Grant.  The  Second  and  Sixth  corps  were 
to  charge  forward  while  at  the  same  time  Warren's  Fifth 
corps  was  to  open  with  artillery.  The  Second  and  Sixth 
charged  as  directed,  carrying  both  the  first  and  second  lines  of 
defense.  Then  they  were  recalled,  as  it  was  not  General  Grant's 
intention  to  sacrifice  life  needlessly ;  and  his  plans  for  his  next 
movement  were  practically  completed.  General  Warren  had 
ordered  his  artillery  into  action  according  to  his  orders.  Cap 
tain  Wolfe  with  Company  F,  and  Lieutenant  Bard  with  Com 
pany  K,  of  the  Bucktails  were  ordered  to  advance  beyond  the 
skirmish  line,  both  companies  being  under  the  command  of  Cap 
tain  Wolfe.  The  two  companies,  F  being  upon  the  right  of  K, 
took  cover  behind  a  slight  crest.  From  their  position,  a  battery 
close  to  the  Court  House  was  plainly  visible,  and  their  instruc 
tions  were  to  silence  it.  Between  the  Bucktails  and  the  battery 
was  a  line  of  rifle  pits  occupied  by  Confederates.  As  the  battery 
was  not  in  play  when  the  regiments  took  cover  some  of  the  men 

1  Warren's  report,  O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  541. 

z  Sypher  in  his  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  p. 
534,  states  that  the  hill  was  secured  by  a  charge  of  the  Reserves. 


SPOTTSYLVANIA  COURT  Houss  307 

1864  May  18] 

anxious  to  obtain  a  better  view,  foolishly  rose  to  their  feet  and 
peered  over  the  crest.  "Git  down  thar,  Yanks,"  was  the  com 
ment  of  their  opponents  in  the  rifle  pits,  as  they  poured  in  a 
volley  that  caused  every  man  to  drop  flat  on  his  face.  Fortu 
nately  no  one  was  hit,  but  a  rapid  fire  was  kept  up  for  some 
time.  After  that,  if  any  one  exposed  himself,  the  sharp  com 
mand,  "Git  down  thar,  Yank,"  which  was  repeated,  was 
promptly  obeyed.  General  Crawford's  object  in  thus  advanc 
ing  the  Bucktails  had  been  to  prevent  the  battery  they  now 
dominated  being  brought  into  play ;  hence  an  Aide  from  Colonel 
Hardin,  who  despite  the  fact  that  he  had  not  fully  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  an  amputation  necessitated  by  a  wound 
received  at  Catlett's  Station,  had  returned  and  succeeded  to  the 
command  of  the  First  brigade,  soon  notified  them  not  to  fire 
unless  the  enemy  either  opened  upon  them  or  advanced  against 
their  position.  The  lull  which  resulted  was  deceptive.  The 
day  was  fine  and  the  view  beautiful.  Within  speaking  distance 
of  each  other,  both  sides  were  apparently  under  orders  not  to 
bring  on  an  engagement ;  yet  when  some  officers  of  the  Union 
army,  anxious  to  obtain  view  of  the  Court  House,  approached 
from  the  rear,  Captain  Wolfe  cautioned  them  to  be  exceedingly 
careful.  Thinking  him  joking  they  walked  boldly  forward  in 
a  group.  No  word  of  warning  preceded  the  volley  this  time, 
but  by  good  fortune  the  officers  escaped  uninjured.  As  the 
day  wore  on  Pusey  Chambers,  of  Company  H,  came  up,  and 
having  obtained  permission  from  Lieutenant  Bard,  advanced 
between  the  lines  and  swapped  coffee  for  tobacco  with  a  rebel. 
On  an  exchange  of  newspapers  he  was  victimized.  The  one 
he  received  had  everything  of  note  clipped  out. 

The  lull  was  not  to  last  long.  In  the  afternoon  an 
officer  of  Cooper's  battery  came  forward  to  take  bearings. 
Notifying  the  Bucktails  to  count  the  hits,  he  returned  to  his 


308  HISTORY  o*  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

[18  May  1864 

battery  in  the  rear  and  fired  seven  times,  five  shells  hitting  the 
Court  House  itself.  Towards  evening  the  Confederates  sent 
out  a  party  on  the  left  of  Company  K  to  fell  timber  and  dig 
rifle  pits.  Instantly  the  Bucktails  opened,  driving  off  the  en- 
trenchers.  Colonel  Hardin  hearing  the  firing  sent  forward  to 
inquire  as  to  its  cause,  and  upon  being  advised  ordered  the  two 
companies  to  hold  their  positions  as  long  as  possible.  Some  of 
the  men  dug  pits  with  their  bayonets,  and  every  other  prepara 
tion  possible  was  made  to  withstand  the  now  plainly  intended 
assault.  The  attack  was  made  about  9  p.  M./  and  the  Buck- 
tails  were  forced  back.  The  Eighty-Third  New  York  had  re 
lieved  the  picket  in  the  rear,  and  word  had  been  previously  sent 
back  notifying  their  Colonel  of  the  location  of  the  Bucktails. 
When  the  enemy  attacked,  the  Bucktails  advanced  a  little  dis 
tance  and  then  fell  back  rapidly,  taking  cover  in  the  trees.  The 
night  was  very  dark  and  the  movement  deceived  the  rebels, 
who,  upon  reaching  the  position  where  the  line  had  been  formed, 
fired.  Guided  by  the  flash  of  the  muskets,  the  Bucktails  were 
able  then  to  fire  so  as  to  inflict  considerable  loss.  Falling  back, 
it  was  then  found  that  part  of  the  Eighty-Third  New  York  had 
also  retreated.  The  two  Bucktail  companies  became  separated 
in  the  darkness,  but  in  the  morning  rejoined  the  regiment.  The 
enemy  having  gained  the  crest  held  and  fortified  it,  while  the 
Union  picket  line  was  reinforced  and  re-established.8 

General  Grant  had  decided  to  make  no  further  assaults  on 
the  Confederate  position.  His  left  flank  now  extended  as  far 
south  as  did  the  Confederates'  right,  and  if  he  moved  straight 
towards  Richmond  his  opponent  must  also  move  or  have  his 
flank  turned.  Grant  did  not  doubt  which  course  Lee  would 
adopt.  On  the  igth  preparations  were  made,  but  Lee,  hoping 

1  Crawford's  despatch,  O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  ii.,  p.  877. 
1  Crawford's  despatch,  O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  ii.,  p.  877. 


SPOTTSYLVANIA  COURT  HOUSE  309 

1864  May  21] 

to  retard  the  movement,  ordered  Ewell  to  attack  the  Union 
right.  Immediately  the  Second  and  Fifth  corps  were  moved 
to  the  threatened  point.  The  Reserves  were  ordered  to  oppose 
the  right  flank  of  Ewell,  but  before  they  could  reach  position, 
General  Ferrero  with  his  colored  troops  had  repulsed  the  attack 
at  that  point.1  The  First  brigade  of  the  Reserves,  however, 
advanced  to  the  river ;  the  Bucktails  being  thrown  forward  as 
skirmishers,  but  with  orders  to  advance  without  firing.  Moving 
quietly  along  the  bank  they  surprised  and  captured  a  Con 
federate  captain  and  several  of  his  men. 

The  next  day,  May  2Oth,  it  being  evident  that  the  attack 
would  not  be  resumed,  the  Reserves  returned  to  the  line  of  the 
Fifth  corps,  and  on  May  2ist,  shortly  after  10  A.  M.,  they 
again  resumed  the  march  towards  Richmond. 

The  casualties  sustained  by  the  Union  army  during  the 
engagements  around  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8-21,  are 
given  in  the  official  reports  as  18,399.*  Thus,  as  the  casualties 
sustained  in  the  Wilderness  were  reported  as  17,666,  the  total 
loss  May  5th  to  2ist  was  36,065.' 

The  Bucktail  loss  during  the  Spottsylvania  operations  was : 
Killed.  Wounded.  Missing.  Total. 

Officers i  5  ..  6 

Men   14  59  2  75 

Total   15  64  2  81* 

Robert  Maxwell,  Second-Lieutenant  of  Company  H,  was 
wounded  on  May  8th,  dying  the  same  evening  in  the  hospital. 

1  This  was  the  first  time  that  colored  troops  took  part  in  an  im 
portant  engagement  in  the  east.  Their  conduct  was  above  criticism. 

2O.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i,  p.  149. 

8  These  figures  are  probably  inaccurate,  Meade's  reports  (O.  R.  L 
XXXVI.  i.,  p.  195)  showing  a  heavy  increase. 

*0.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  142. 


310  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[21  May  1864 

As  he  had  been  the  only  remaining  commissioned  officer  in  his 
company,  Major  Hartshorne  ordered  Lieutenant  John  E. 
Kratzer,  of  Company  K,  to  take  command  of  it. 

The  division  of  Reserves  was  made  still  smaller  on  the 
1 7th,  when  the  Eighth  regiment,  whose  time  had  expired,  left 
for  home.  The  nine  regiments1  remaining  fought  together  till 
and  including  the  3Oth  of  May.  The  time  of  some  of  them 
expired  before  then,  but  some  agreement  seems  to  have  been 
made  whereby  they  remained  together  and  were  discharged  as 
a  unit. 

Moving  forward  on  the  afternoon  of  the  2ist,  they  there 
fore  entered  upon  the  last  ten  days  of  their  term  of  service. 

1  First   brigade;    ist,   2nd,   6th,   7th,    nth   and    Bucktails;    Second 
brigade:  5th,  loth  and  I2th. 


WITH   GRANT  TOWARDS   RICHMOND. 

III. 

NORTH  ANNA  AND  BETHESDA  CHURCH. 


A  flank  march  in  the  presence  of  an  enemy  is  always  diffi 
cult,  but,  under  the  generalship  of  Grant,  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  performed  the  feat  successfully.  The  Sixth  corps  moved 
on  the  2Oth  and  the  Reserves,  holding  the  advance  of  the  Fifth 
corps,  about  noon  on  the  2ist.  The  army  was  headed  for 
Richmond,  thus  compelling  Lee  to  abandon  the  works  at  Spott- 
sylvania  and  once  more  hasten  to  seize  a  position  in  which  he 
could  oppose  the  Union  advance.  Twenty  miles  away  the 
North  Anna  River  afforded  an  opportunity  for  defense,  and 
as  soon  as  he  was  certain  that  General  Grant  was  actually 
moving  Lee  put  his  own  forces  into  motion. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac,  owing  to  its  exposed  flank, 
being  compelled  to  take  a  slightly  longer  route  than  its  oppo 
nents,  found  upon  its  arrival  at  the  north  bank  of  the  river 
that  the  vanguard  of  the  Confederates  faced  it  from  the  south 
bank 

The  Bucktails  reached  Guiney's  Station  on  the  evening 
of  the  2 1  st.  The  last  part  of  the  day's  march  was  covered  at 
the  double-quick,  and  owing  to  the  continued  heavy  service 
that  had  been  exacted  of  the  men,  proved  exceedingly  exhaust 
ing.  The  regiment  had  become  terribly  reduced  by  the  casual 
ties  it  had  suffered,  and  now  many  of  the  survivors,  who  had 
never  before  dropped  out  of  the  ranks,  weakened  by  the  sever- 

3" 


312  HISTORY  OF  THE 

[21  May  1864 

ity  of  the  campaign,  fell  by  the  wayside.  When  they  reached 
the  Station,  the  Bucktails  had  in  line  but  six  officers  and  fifteen 
men.  A  regiment  which  had  been  deployed  by  General  Meade 
on  the  high  ground  in  front  of  the  station,  and  which  had 
exchanged  a  few  shots  with  some  Confederate  cavalry  in  the 
woods,  greeted  the  little  band  with,  "Go  in  Bucktails,  and 
"give  'em  fits."  They  must  have  numbered  about  500  them 
selves. 

The  Bucktails  soon  took  the  place  assigned  to  them  behind 
a  fence,  fronting  an  orchard.  Beyond  the  orchard  were  some 
open  woods  in  which  cavalry  was  visible.  One  by  one  the  men, 
obtaining  permission  from  their  officers,  slipped  into  the  orchard 
and  from  behind  the  protection  of  the  trees  commenced  to  pick 
off  the  enemy.  Some  attempt  was  made  by  the  Confederate 
officer  in  charge  to  bring  his  men  to  a  charge,  but  the  effort 
resulted  in  nothing.  The  skirmish  became  brisk,  but  with  every 
minute  the  Bucktails  became  stronger,  those  who  had  fallen 
behind  on  the  march  arriving  one  by  one,  and  immediately 
advancing  to  the  support  of  their  companions.  Colonel  Hardin, 
as  soon  as  the  skirmish  was  opened,  had  ridden  to  General 
Crawford,  requesting  that  one  or  two  regiments  be  ordered 
forward  to  support  "the  Bucktails  who  are  in  the  woods 
"driving  in  cavalry  and  chickens."  The  regiments  detailed  for 
support,  however,  did  not  arrive  till  dark,  when  the  skirmish 
was  almost  ended.  Then,  with  the  Sixth  regiment,  the  Buck- 
tails  drove  the  enemy  down  the  road  towards  the  Gatewood 
house  before  going  into  camp. 

The  Bucktails  suffered  no  loss.  As  to  the  chickens  re 
ferred  to  by  Colonel  Hardin,  they  were  given  to  the  regiment, 
or  at  least  some  of  them.  One  of  the  officers  had  a  colored 
servant — a  contraband — who  informed  him  that  the  house, 
near  which  the  regiment  was  lying,  belonged  to  his  old  mis- 


NORTH  ANNA  313 

1864  May  23] 

tress.  Though  he  feared  he  would  be  killed,  he  was  sent  to 
ask  for  milk,  eggs  and  chickens ;  nor  was  his  demand,  backed  up 
by  the  presence  of  Union  troops,  refused.  It  is  also  probable 
that  some  chickens,  not  secured  in  this  pacific  manner,  found 
their  way  into  Bucktail  pots.  At  all  events,  the  savory  smell 
emanating  from  the  camp  attracted  Colonel  Hardin's  attention 
and  he  came  to  investigate.  He  was  promptly  invited  to  par 
ticipate,  and  as  promptly  accepted  the  invitation. 

The  men  turned  in,  thinking  that  at  length  they  would 
obtain  a  good  night's  rest ;  but  at  2.  A.  M.,  on  the  morning  of 
the  22nd,  in  conjunction  with  a  detachment  of  the  Tenth  regi 
ment,  they  made  a  reconnaissance  further  towards  the  Gate- 
wood  house.  Surprising  the  enemy,  they  drove  him  to  his 
entrenchments  a  half  mile  beyond  the  house,  taking  possession 
of  the  house  itself,  and  holding  it  till  daylight. 

By  ii  A.  M.  the  march  was  resumed,  the  Fifth  corps,  with 
the  Reserves  in  the  advance,  reaching  Bowling  Green  before 
night. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23rd  the  corps  continued  its  march, 
reaching  the  north  bank  of  the  North  Anna  River  by  I  p.  M. 
The  North  Anna,  which  intervened  between  the  Union  army 
and  Richmond,  flows  at  the  point  where  Grant  intended  to 
cross  it,  in  a  general  direction  of  from  west  to  east.  Its  course 
is  not  straight,  however;  it  makes  a  bend  to  the  south  and 
then  flows  back  north,  so  that  if  the  river  be  taken  to  represent 
military  works,  the  southern  point  of  this  bend,  looking  from 
the  south,  would  be  described  as  the  apex  of  an  opposing 
salient.  Lee's  center  was  opposite  this  point.  General  Warren 
with  his  corps  struck  the  river  some  distance  above  the  apex  of 
the  bend,  at  Jericho's  Ford.  Lee,  not  expecting  a  crossing 
at  this  point,  had  left  it  unprotected,  so  that  the  head  of  War 
ren's  column  wading  breast  high  in  the  misnamed  ford  reached 


314  HISTORY  otf  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

[23  May  1864 

the  southern  bank  with  but  little  opposition.  A  pontoon  bridge 
was  constructed,  and  shortly  after  the  entire  corps  crossed. 

General  Grant's  plan  involved  the  crossing  of  the  river  by 
the  Fifth  corps  on  the  right,  the  Ninth  corps  in  the  center  and 
the  Second  and  Sixth  corps  on  the  left.  General  Hancock  with 
the  Second  corps  struck  the  river  about  the  same  time  that  the 
Fifth  was  crossing,  but  striking  it  below  the  apex  of  the  bend, 
he  met  with  much  opposition,  and  only  succeeded  in  getting 
two  brigades  across  before  dark.  General  Burnside  did  not 
arrive  with  the  Ninth  corps  till  evening. 

When  Warren  had  crossed  his  force,  he  formed  line  of 
battle  with  the  Reserves  on  the  left,  Griffin's  division  in  the 
center  and  Cutler's  division  on  the  right.  Then  the  corps 
advanced  to  a  line  of  woods  where  they  were  ordered  to  in 
trench.  The  Confederates,  now  aware  of  the  crossing,  attacked 
suddenly  and  impetuously  on  the  center  and  right  of  the  line. 
The  Reserves  became  engaged  but  chiefly  with  artillery.  Ulti 
mately  the  attack  was  beaten  back  and  the  line  established. 

During  the  attack  the  Bucktail  line  was  moved  to  the 
Fountain  House.  In  front  was  a  deep  ravine  running  obliquely 
to  the  line,  and  on  the  far  side  of  the  ravine  two  or  three  bat 
teries.  A  farm  house,  also  on  the  far  side  of  the  ravine,  was 
occupied  by  sharpshooters.  As  the  fire  from  both  these  sources 
proved  destructive,  two  or  three  attempts  were  made  to  take 
the  positions  but  without  avail.  Then  Colonel  Hardin  sug 
gested  to  Major  Hartshorne  that  he  advance  a  force  under 
cover  of  a  strip  of  woods,  which  would  afford  protection  for 
half  the  distance. 

Major  Hartshorne  ordered  four  companies  to  charge  on 
the  right  of  the  woods  under  Captain  McDonald,  four  on  the 
left  of  the  woods  under  Captain  Wolfe,  and  two  through  the 
center,  directly  at  the  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Bard ;  two  of 


NORTH  ANNA  315 

1864  May  24] 

the  four  companies  under  Captain  Wolfe  were  to  attack  the 
farm-house.1  The  charge,  though  made  with  extreme  gal 
lantry,  was  unsuccessful,  while  the  two  companies  under  Lieu 
tenant  Bard  became  separated  and  remained  in  the  ravine  the 
entire  night.  Sergeant  James  Ross,  of  Company  K,  was  or 
dered  by  Lieutenant  Bard  to  go  back  and  report  to  Major 
Hartshorne  the  plight  of  the  two  companies.  Any  attempt  to 
return  was  dangerous,  but  pulling  his  hat  over  his  eyes,  the 
Sergeant  made  a  run  for  it.  As  soon  as  he  mounted  the  hill 
he  became  visible  to  the  rebels  ;  they  opened  fire,  but  by  playing 
'possum  he  was  enabled  to  rejoin  the  Union  lines.  Major 
Hartshorne  upon  receiving  the  report  of  Sergeant  Ross,  failed 
to  see  how  the  imperiled  companies  could  be  extricated,  for  the 
rebel  pickets  were  within  30  yards  of  them,  but  they,  taking 
advantage  of  the  darkness,  crept  back  one  man  at  a  time  till 
they  reached  the  extremity  of  the  woods.  Just  before  day 
light,  the  last  man  reached  cover,  and  thus  when  their  regiment 
advanced  the  two  companies,  falling  back,  were  enabled  to 
resume  their  places  in  the  line. 

Shortly  after  it  became  light,  General  Hancock  found 
that  he  could  cross  the  river  a  little  below  where  he  had  en 
countered  resistance  the  day  before.  He  therefore  crossed  with 
the  Second  corps,  while  the  Sixth  corps  crossed  to  the  right  of 
Warren.  Thus  the  Second  corps  was  across  below  the  apex 
of  the  bend,  and  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  corps  across  above,  the 
Ninth  corps  still  remaining  on  the  northern  bank.  Yet  General 
Lee,  while  he  had  permitted  both  his  flanks  to  fall  back  from 
the  river,  had  hung  on  to  the  apex  of  the  bend  with  his  center, 
and  the  Confederate  army  presented  the  lines  of  a  triangle 
with  a  blunt  apex,  that  apex  being  the  bank  of  the  river.  By 


Tenth  regiment  also  took  part  in  the  attack,  but  data  are 
unavailable  to  indicate  its  exact  movements. 


316  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[24  May  1864 

this  formation  the  Union  army  was  divided  into  three  parts: 
the  Second  corps  was  on  the  south  bank  facing  the  eastern  side 
of  the  triangle ;  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  corps  were  on  the  south 
bank  facing  the  western  side  of  the  triangle,  and  the  Ninth 
corps  was  on  the  north  bank  facing  the  blunt  end  of  the  triangle, 
to  carry  which  it  must  also  force  the  passage  of  the  river.  If 
it  was  desired  to  reinforce  the  corps  on  the  western  face  of  the 
triangle  with  that  on  the  eastern  face,  or  vice  versa,  the  troops 
must  cross  the  river  twice  to  reach  their  positions.  Some 
attempts  were  made  to  extend  Warren's  extreme  left  till  it 
joined  the  right  of  Hancock's ;  but  Lee  had  protected  the  sides 
and  apex  of  his  triangle  with  strong  entrenchments  and  could 
not  be  ousted. 

Rarely  has  such  a  check-mate  been  given.  After  two  or 
three  days  spent  in  minor  actions  and  surveying  the  situation, 
General  Grant  becoming  convinced  that  the  position  was  im 
pregnable  to  assault,  decided  to  accomplish  his  end  by  out 
flanking  the  enemy.  This  he  did  by  withdrawing  his  forces  to 
the  north  bank,  moving  them  to  the  left  and  marching  once 
again  towards  Richmond. 

The  Bucktails  were  not  idle  during  the  time  preceding  the 
order.  On  Tuesday,  the  24th,  while  the  Reserves  were  making 
a  diversion  in  favor  of  Hancock's  corps,  Colonel  McCoy  with 
the  Bucktails  and  the  Twelfth  Massachusetts  made  an  excursion 
to  the  right  of  General  Warren's  corps.  On  this  excursion  a 
number  of  stragglers  were  picked  up.1  On  the  25th  the  regi- 

1  Captain  Bard  justly  remarks  that  while  orders  required  that 
prisoners  should  be  surrendered  only  to  the  Provost  Marshal  upon  his 
signing  a  receipt  for  them,  he  knew  of  but  one  or  two  instances, 
during  the  entire  three  years  that  the  Bucktails  fought,  when  they 
observed  this  rule.  Being  skirmishers,  when  they  made  a  capture  they 
were  always  anxious  to  get  rid  of  their  prisoners  as  quickly  as  pos 
sible,  so  that  they  could  resume  their  place.  Hence,  they  generally 


NORTH  ANNA  317 

1864  May  28] 

ment  laid  in  line  of  battle,  and  on  the  26th,  in  the  evening, 
crossed  back  to  the  north  bank  of  the  North  Anna  and  took  its 
place  in  the  line  of  march. 

The  North  Anna  and  the  South  Anna  unite  six  or  seven 
miles  below  where  the  unsuccessful  attempt  to  cross  had  been 
made,  the  stream  then  being  known  as  the  Pamunkey  River, 
which  in  its  turn  flows  into  the  York  River,  thirty  or  forty 
miles  farther  on.  General  Grant  when  deciding  upon  a  flank 
movement  made  arrangements  to  put  his  army  in  motion 
secretly  at  night;  to  move  down  the  north  bank  of  the  North 
Anna ;  and  continuing  along  the  north  bank  of  the  Pamunkey 
to  cross  that  river  near  Hanover,  almost  due  north  of  Rich 
mond,  which  is  but  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  south  of  that  point. 
He  succeeded  in  getting  his  army  in  motion  without  being 
molested;  but  Lee  necessarily  became  shortly  after  aware  of 
his  adversary's  designs,  and  abandoning  his  defenses  once 
again  hurried  south  to  interpose  between  the  Union  army  and 
the  Confederate  capital.  Having  the  shorter  route  he  reached 
the  Pamunkey  before  the  Union  cavalry  advance  under  Gen 
eral  Sheridan.  A  successful  engagement  on  the  part  of  the 
latter  secured  the  passes  of  the  river  to  the  Federals,  and  the 
army  moved  up. 

The  Bucktails  had  bivouacked  at  Mrs.  Orman's  planta 
tion  on  the  night  of  the  27th  after  a  march  of  some  miles ;  on 
the  28th  they  crossed  the  Pamunkey,  and  advanced  two  miles 
on  the  road  towards  Mechanicsville.  Before  night  the  entire 
army  had  fallen  into  position,  and  facing  west,  stretched  from 
the  Pamunkey  on  the  north  almost  to  Cold  Harbor  on  the 
south. 

turned  prisoners  over  to  the  first  men  they  met;  and  as  a  consequence 
the  regiment  was  deprived  of  being  credited  with  the  prisoners  it 
captured. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[29  May  1864 

The  exact  position  at  which  Lee  had  elected  to  make  his 
stand  was  unknown ;  hence  the  entire  army  was  ordered  to 
make  reconnoissances  in  force  on  the  following  day.  Wright, 
with  his  Sixth  corps,  was  to  move  around  the  left  of  the  Con 
federate  line  towards  Hanover  Court  House ;  Hancock,  with  the 
Second  corps,  was  ordered  to  the  same  point ;  the  Ninth  corps 
was  to  be  held  in  reserve ;  and  Warren's  Fifth  corps  was  or 
dered  on  the  right  towards  Shady  Grove  Church. 

In  accordance  with  these  instructions  Griffin's  division  of 
the  Fifth  corps  crossed  the  Totopotomy,  a  small  creek  that 
flows  into  the  Pamunkey,  and  advanced  down  the  road  that 
runs  from  Hanover  Court  House  to  Richmond.  The  Re 
serves  moved  down  the  Mechanicsville  road,  which  was  held 
by  a  strong  force  of  rebel  cavalry,  supported  by  Ewell's  corps, 
but  General  Crawford  had  decided  to  seize  it  and  the 
First  brigade  of  the  Reserves,  under  Colonel  Hardin,  with  the 
Bucktails  deployed  as  skirmishers,  was  ordered  forward.  Con 
siderable  skirmishing  was  indulged  in  as  the  enemy  retreated. 
Towards  night  the  advance  was  stopped,  the  Bucktails  biv 
ouacking  on  the  top  of  a  hill.  The  regiment's  term  of  service 
expired  with  the  2Qth ;  but  it  was  apparent  that  the  next  day 
it  must  hold  its  position  and  do  battle,  despite  the  fact  it  was 
entitled  to  leave  for  home.  Though  it  was  impossible  that  the 
men  should  not  think  of  their  homes,  and  wish  ardently  to 
start  for  them,  yet  there  was  no  disposition  to  shirk  the  extra 
duty  laid  upon  them. 

With  the  morning  of  the  3Oth,  the  advance  was  continued, 
Crawford's  division  crossing  the  Totopotomy,  while  Colonel 
Hardin  again  ordered  the  Buektails  to  deploy  as  skirmish 
ers.  After  proceeding  a  short  distance  the  enemy's  skir 
mishers  were  met,  and  sharp  firing  resulted.  Protected  by 
some  woods  the  Bucktails  held  their  opponents  in  check  for 


CHURCH  319 

1864  May  30] 

some  forty-five  minutes,  repulsing  several  charges.  The  Con 
federates  then  prepared  to  advance  in  line  of  battle  and  Major 
Hartshorne,  sending  back  word  to  Colonel  Hardin  that  he  was 
being  surrounded,  fell  back  slowly  to  some  half-finished  rifle 
pits.  Colonel  Hardin  at  once  ordered  up  the  First  brigade,  but, 
discovering  that  he  was  to  be  attacked  by  an  entire  division, 
sent  word  to  General  Crawford.  Before  any  dispositions  to 
support  the  brigade  could  be  made,  the  enemy  attacked  it  so 
vigorously  that  it  fell  back  till  it  obtained  support  from  Kitch- 
ing's  brigade  of  independent  artillery.1  The  two  brigades  then 
advanced,  driving  back  the  Confederates'  right  wing  and  center. 
The  right  flank  of  the  First  brigade  still  being  in  danger  of 
being  enveloped,  Colonel  Fisher  moved  up  with  the  Third 
brigade. 

With  this  movement  the  formation  of  the  battle  line  of 
Bethesda  Church,  the  last  battle  in  which  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves  took  part,  was  completed.  The  First  brigade  was  upon 
an  open  piece  of  ground,  and  the  Third  brigade  upon  its  right 
across  a  ravine,  while  the  left  was  held  by  Kitching's  brigade. 
Two  pieces  of  artillery  were  placed  on  a  ridge  on  the  left  of  the 
First  brigade  and  two  on  its  right.  The  infantry  threw  up, 
with  rapidity  acquired  by  long  practice,  defenses  constructed  of 
logs  and  rails,  over  which  they  threw  earth. 

By  six  o'clock  the  battle  commenced  along  the  line  of  the 
entire  corps.  Cutler's  and  Griffin's  divisions  were  both  to  the 
left  of  the  Reserves,  but  upon  the  latter  fell  the  greatest  force 
of  Ewell's  attack. 

The  Reserves,  conscious  that  the  battle  was  the  last  in 
which  they  would  participate,  were  anxious  to  make  it  a  mem 
orable  one.  The  Confederates  advanced,  pouring  in  volley 

1  "Armed   as   infantry."     ("Our   Campaigns,"   by  Adjutant   E.    M. 
Woodward,  p.  317.) 


320  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

[30  May  1864 

after  volley,  only  to  be  raked  by  the  artillery.  Then  a  mass 
charged  forward.  Waiting  till  it  had  approached  to  within 
a  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  the  Reserves  fired  with  fearful  effect. 

In  all  the  Confederates  made  three  charges,  and  three 
times  was  their  flag  shot  down,  after  which  no  attempt  was 
made  to  again  raise  it. 

As  one  of  their  columns  came  forward,  moving  like  soldiers 
on  parade,  the  Union  artillery  ceased.  The  Bucktails,  under 
orders,  reserved  their  fire  until  the  Confederates  had  advanced 
so  close  that  their  faces  could  be  distinguished.  Then  they  dis 
charged  their  rifles,  while  at  the  same  moment  the  artillery  re 
opened.  The  slaughter  was  so  sickening  that  Major  Harts- 
horne  leaped  to  his  feet  and  called  upon  his  assailants  to  sur 
render.  Some  hundreds  did  so.  Rebels  or  no  rebels,  their 
behavior  and  bearing  during  the  charge  had  won  the  admiration 
of  their  captors,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  express  it. 

The  line  of  the  Fifth  corps  held  firm  from  end  to  end; 
and  repulsed  and  defeated,  Ewell's  corps  fell  back,  carrying 
amongst  its  dead  one  brigade  and  two  regimental  commanders. 
Thus  the  Reserves  completed  their  record,  that  extended  from 
Dranesville  to  Bethesda  Church;  but  as  the  Bucktails  had 
fought  with  the  Fifth  a  campaign  before  Dranesville,  so  now 
on  the  morning  succeeding  the  battle  of  Bethesda  Church  their 
offer  to  do  extra  work  in  the  form  of  skirmish  duty  was  ac 
cepted.  For  the  last  time  bringing  into  play  the  skill  that  had 
come  with  long  service,  they  cleared  some  woods  from  Confed 
erate  sharpshooters,  accomplishing  the  self-imposed  task  in  an 
hour  or  two. 

Then  they,  with  the  other  regiments,  were  ordered  to  the 
rear  and  their  active  service  closed. 


BETHSSDA  CHURCH  321 

1864  May  31] 

Their  loss   during  the   North   Anna  operations   and   at 
Bethesda  Church  was : 

Killed.     Wounded.     Missing.     Total. 

Officers  

Men    i  2  2  5 

Total i  2  2  5* 

X0.  R.  I.  XXXVI.  i.,  p.  158. 


MUSTER    OUT. 


As  soon  as  the  Reserves  were  relieved  from  the  firing  line 
the  separation  of  those  who  had  re-enlisted  from  those  who 
were  about  to  leave  for  home  took  place.  Of  the  body  of  over 
thirteen  thousand  men  who  had  originally  constituted  the  in 
fantry  regiments,  but  one  hundred  and  twenty- four  officers 
and  two  thousand  and  thirty-eight  men  remained  in  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac.1  The  Third  and  Fourth  regiments  were  in 
western  Virginia,  and  the  Eighth  and  Ninth  had  previously 
been  mustered  out. 

The  seventeen  hundred  and  fifty-nine  of  the  survivors  of 
the  Reserve  corps  who  re-enlisted  were  organized  into  two 
regiments,  the  One-Hundred-and-Ninetieth  and  the  One- 
Hundred-and-Ninety-First  Pennsylvania. 

According  to  Fox  the  total  enrollment  from  first  to  last  in 
the  Bucktail  regiment  was  1,165  men.*  On  May  3ist,  1864, 
as  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  but  471  remained  on  the  rolls;  of 
these  154  re-enlisted  in  the  One-Hundred-and-Ninetieth,  69 
were  transferred  to  the  same  regiment  to  serve  unexpired  terms, 
204  were  mustered  out  at  Harrisburg,  while  the  remaining  44 
were  absent,  sick  in  hospitals,  on  detached  duty,  etc.,  etc. 

If  we  add  to  the  losses  shown  in  the  official  casualty  re 
ports,  previously  quoted  in  the  present  volume,  the  losses  at 

1  These   figures   are   taken   from    Sypher's    "History   of   the    Penn- 
"sylvania  Reserve  Corps"  (p.  547). 

1 " Regimental  Losses  in  the  American  Civil  War,"  p.  261. 


324  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

Harrisonburg,  (7  killed,  39  wounded,  7  captured  or  missing), 
Chantilly,  (i  wounded),  the  loss  of  the  regiment  throughout 
its  term  of  service  is  shown  to  be  80  killed,  438  wounded 
(including  those  mortally  wounded)  and  238  captured  or  miss 
ing  (including  those  wounded  in  addition  to  being  captured),  a 
total  of  756,  to  which  must  be  further  added  the  92  killed, 
wounded  and  missing  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  reported 
by  Major  Stone,  bringing  the  total  killed,  wounded,  and  cap 
tured  or  missing  up  to  848.  And  this  total  must  be  below  the 
truth,  as  there  is  no  record  of  losses  suffered  in  many  of  the 
skirmishes  in  which  the  regiment  participated.  Fox  places  the 
total  of  the  killed  and  mortally  wounded  at  162*  and  his  figures, 
for  the  most  part,  vary  but  little  from  those  to  be  obtained  by 
tabulating  the  information  given  in  the  muster  rolls  in  the 
appendix  to  the  present  volume. 

Upon  the  completion  of  the  organization  of  the  One-Hun- 
dred-and-Ninetieth,  Major  Hartshorne  was  promoted  to  Col 
onel,  Captain  Wolfe  to  Major,  Lieutenant  Wright  to  Adjutant, 
while  Lieutenant  Truman,  Dr.  Comfort,  Dr.  Butler  and  Quar 
termaster-Sergeant  Hunter  retained  their  respective  offices  of 
Quartermaster,  Surgeon,  Assistant- Surgeon  and  Quartermas 
ter-Sergeant.  Captain  Kinsey  became  Captain  of  Company  C, 
and  Lieutenant  Lucore  was  promoted  to  First-Lieutenant  of  the 
same  company;  Sergeant  Christnot  was  promoted  to  First- 
Lieutenant  of  Company  E;  Lieutenant  Blett  became  Second- 
Lieutenant  of  Company  F,  and  Sergeant  Thompson,  who  was 
captured  on  May  3Oth,  upon  his  return  was  promoted  to  Captain 
of  the  same  company ;  Lieutenant  Kratzer  was  promoted  to 
Captain  of  Company  H,  and  Sergeant  West  to  First-Lieutenant 
of  the  same  company.2 

1  "Regimental  Losses  in  the  American  Civil  War,"  p.  261. 

a  Most   of  these   officers,   as   well   as  many   other   Bucktails,   won 


MAJ.   Jonx   A.   WOLFE 
CAPT.  ERNEST  WRIGHT  LIEUT.  DANIEL  BLETT 


MUSTER  OUT  325 

The  parting  between  the  men  was  an  exceedingly  painful 
one.  It  was  inevitable  that  true  and  sincere  friendships  should 
have  been  born  of  hardships  mutually  endured  by  them,  and 
cemented  by  the  esteem  in  which  they  held  each  other.  Part 
ing  for  an  indefinite  period,  even  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
events,  it  was  certain  that  some  would  never  meet  again.  And 
to  the  ordinary  uncertainty  of  human  life  was  added  the  rapa 
cious  element  of  war.  Nearly  one-half  were  to  return  and 
resume  battle. 

While  the  men  were  talking  Major  Hartshorne  seized  the 
regimental  flag,  saying,  "We'll  use  this,"1  and  till  captured  the 

subsequent  promotions,  which  are  shown  in  italics  in  the  muster  rolls. 
The  promotions  here  given  are  those  made  at  the  time  the  regiment 
was  organized,  bearing  witness  to  the  esteem  with  which  the  officers 
of  the  Bucktails  were  regarded.  The  men  that  re-enlisted  from  the 
ist,  7th,  pth,  two  companies  of  the  loth,  nth,  I2th  and  Bucktails  were 
assigned  to  the  looth ;  those  from  the  2nd,  5th,  6th,  8th  and  loth  to  the 
191  st.  The  two  regiments,  after  being  organized,  constituted  the  3rd 
brigade,  3rd  division,  5th  corps,  and  Colonel  Hartshorne,  by  reason  of 
seniority,  assumed  command.  His  regiment  was  actively  engaged  till 
August  the  igth,  when,  being  ordered  forward  on  skirmish  work,  it 
was  completely  surrounded  and  captured.  The  captives  were  hurried 
to  the  rebel  prisons  at  Richmond,  Salisbury  and  Danville,  experiencing 
treatment  and  hardships  of  an  almost  unbelievable  nature,  nearly  one 
hundred  dying  before  the  others  were  released,  just  prior  to  Lee's  sur 
render.  The  small  remnant  that  escaped  capture,  was  organized  under 
command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Pattee,  was  transferred  to  the  2nd 
division  commanded  by  General  Ayers,  and  took  part  in  the  final  cam 
paigns  of  the  war.  On  April  i,  1865,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Pattee,  with  his 
own  battalion  and  one  from  the  I57th,  advanced  to  the  support  of  Sheri 
dan  at  Five  Forks.  Having  previously  crossed  the  Lynchburg  Railroad, 
at  about  noon  on  the  pth  of  April,  he  was  ordered  to  deploy  to  cover  the 
front  of  his  division.  The  order  "Bucktails,  to  the  front,"  was  given. 
Having  passed  beyond  the  front  of  their  own  division,  the  battalion 
was  about  to  charge  a  battery,  when  a  horseman  with  a  white  flag 
appeared.  Lee  had  surrendered  and  the  end  of  the  war  had  come. 

1  General  Hartshorne  a  few  weeks  before  his  death,  made  this 
statement  to  the  writer  of  how  he  secured  the  flag.  The  flag  was 
captured  with  the  regiment.  Since  the  passage  of  the  recent  bill  by 


326  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

flag  of  the   Bucktails   continued  to   lead  the  new   regiment. 

The  troops  had  moved  to  the  rear  with  bands  playing  and 
colors  flying.  On  June  ist  General  Crawford  issued  the  fol 
lowing  farewell  order : 

"SouoiERS  OF  THE  PENNSYLVANIA  RESERVES: — To-day  the 
"connection  which  has  so  long  existed  between  us  is  to  be  sev- 
"ered  forever. 

"I  have  no  power  to  express  to  you  the  feelings  of  grati- 
"tude  and  affection  that  I  bear  to  you,  nor  the  deep  regret  with 
"which  I  now  part  from  you. 

"As  a  Division  you  have  ever  been  faithful  and  devoted 
"soldiers,  and  you  have  nobly  sustained  me  in  the  many  trying 
"scenes  through  which  we  have  passed,  with  an  unwavering 
"fidelity.  The  record  of  your  service  terminates  gloriously,  and 
"  'the  Wilderness,'  'Spottsylvania  Court  house,'  and  'Bethesda 
"  'Church,'  have  added  to  the  long  list  of  battles  and  of 
"triumphs  that  have  marked  your  career. 

"Go  home  to  the  great  State  that  sent  you  forth  three 
"years  ago  to  battle  for  her  honor  and  to  strike  for  her  in  the 
"great  cause  of  the  country,  take  back  your  soiled  and  war- 
"worn  banners,  your  thinned  and  shattered  ranks,  and  let  them 
"tell  how  you  have  performed  your  trust.  Take  back  those 
"banners  sacred  from  the  glorious  associations  that  surround 
"them,  sacred  with  the  memories  of  our  fallen  comrades  who 
"gave  their  lives  to  defend  them,  and  give  them  again  into  the 
"keeping  of  the  State  forever. 

"The  duties  of  the  hour  prevent  me  from  accompanying 
"you,  but  my  heart  will  follow  you  long  after  you  return,  and 
"it  shall  ever  be  my  pride  that  I  was  once  your  commander, 

Congress  authorizing  the  return  of  the  Confederate  flags  to  the  South 
ern  States,  this  flag  has  been  returned  by  them,  and  is  now  in  Harris- 
burg. 


MUSTER  OUT  327 

"and  that  side  by  side  we  fought  and  suffered  through  cam- 
"paigns  which  will  stand  unexampled  in  history.    Farewell. 

"S.  W.  CRAWFORD." 

Guarding  some  six  hundred  prisoners,  and  accompanying 
about  one  thousand  wagons,  the  line  of  march  was  directed 
towards  White  House  Landing,  which  was  reached  on  the  2nd. 
There,  on  the  3rd,  the  Bucktails  boarded  the  "John  Brookes" 
and  landed  near  Washington,  at  8  A.  M.  on  the  4th. 

Stopping  over  night  at  the  "Soldier's  Rest,"  the  troops 
were  placed  on  railroad  cars  on  the  morning  of  the  5th,  a  stop 
being  made  at  Baltimore.  On  the  morning  of  the  6th,  they 
reached  Harrisburg. 

Returning  to  the  city  from  which  they  had  set  out,  the 
Reserves  were  received  with  the  enthusiasm  which,  because  of 
their  record,  was  their  due. 

"Market  Street,  from  the  river  bank  to  the  depot,  on  both 
"sides,  was  one  dense  mass  of  men,  women  and  children.  We 
"never  before  witnessed  so  large  a  gathering  of  our  people. 
"All  who  could  get  out  were  on  the  sidewalks.  The  old  man 
"of  three  score  and  ten  jostled  the  youth  of  scarce  one  score — 
"the  maiden  in  her  blushing  beauty  and  with  beaming  eyes, 
"ready  to  welcome  the  heroes  with  her  sweetest  smiles,  stood 
"by  the  anxious  and  wondering  matron,  solicitous,  as  mothers 
"only  can  be,  as  to  whether  'the  dear  boys'  were  not  glad  with 
"their  return  home,  and  with  eyes  overflowing  with  tears  when 
"the  thought  called  forth  the  inquiry  as  to  how  many  mothers 
"all  over  the  State,  would  weep  in  vain  for  the  return  of  their 
"sons  who  marched  forth  to  battle  with  the  Reserves.  This 
"thronging  crowd  waited  patiently  until  the  court-house  bell 
"rang  the  signal,  and  at  half-past  eleven  the  train  which  car- 
"ried  the  Reserves  approached  the  city;  while  it  was  on  the 
"bridge  that  spans  the  Susquehannah  another  great  crowd  as- 


328  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

"sembled  at  the  foot  of  Mulberry  street,  and  as  the  train  left 
"the  bridge  at  that  locality  the  enthusiasm  of  the  people  broke 
"forth  in  the  wildest  and  most  tumultuous  cheering.  Such  a 
"scene  we  never  before  witnessed.  For  a  moment  it  was  feared 
"that  hundreds  would  be  mangled  beneath  the  wheels  of  the 
"cars.  The  rush  all  along  Mulberry  street  was  tremendous, 
"and  as  the  train  passed  over  that  portion  of  the  road  and 
"reached  the  depot,  the  crowd  increased  until  the  avenue  was 
"filled  with  an  excited,  enthusiastic,  and  even  tumultuous  mass 
"of  human  beings.  While  all  this  was  going  on  as  the  train 
"passed  to  the  depot,  the  bells  of  the  city  were  ringing,  and 
"from  every  street,  avenue  and  alley  crowds  of  people  hurried 
"to  the  depot. 

"As  soon  as  the  train  stopped,  the  troops  began  with  great 
"order  to  disembark.  But  there  was  no  time  offered  for  the  dis- 
"play  of  much  discipline ;  and  the  men  were  at  once  conveyed  to 
"the  'Soldiers'  Retreat/  where  a  substantial  collation  awaited 
"them.  Before  and  after  the  men  had  finished  their  collation, 
"warm  greetings  took  place  between  old  friends  and  compan 
ions  in  arms.  These  were  eloquent  and  impressive.  We  saw 
"strong  men  grasping  each  other's  hands  while  big  tears  glis 
tened  on  their  brown  cheeks — we  noticed  other  salutations, 
"full  of  that  rough  sincerity  which  distinguishes  the  true  sol- 
"dier — while  others  again  were  perfectly  uncontrollable,  liter- 
"ally  wild  with  joy  at  finding  themselves  once  more  among  their 
"friends."  ' 

Chief  Marshal  William  H.  Kepner  formed  a  column  in 
cluding  the  Mayor,  the  councilmen,  the  civic  societies,  the  First 
New  York  artillery  and  soldiers  of  1812.  As  the  Reserves 
advanced,  Governor  Curtin,  who,  accompanied  by  his  staff, 
awaited  them,  bowed  a  welcome  to  the  survivors  of  the  organi- 

1  Harrisburg  Telegraph. 


MUSTER  OUT  329 

zation  which  owed  its  existence  to  his  foresight  and  ability. 
Recognizing  him  instantly,  the  troops  returned  his  salutation 
with  shouts  and  cheers,  in  which  the  people  joined,  while  to 
add  to  the  tumult  a  battery  fired  a  salute  of  one  hundred  guns. 

Mayor  Roumfort  addressed  the  Reserves  as  follows : 

"HAIL,  BRAVE  SOLDIERS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA: — In  the  name 
"of  the  city  of  Harrisburg  I  greet  you  with  a  hearty  welcome  to 
"the  Capital  of  the  State.  During  the  three  years  of  your  ab- 
"sence  I  have  heard  the  most  glowing  accounts  of  your  conduct 
"as  soldiers,  and  discipline  as  men. 

"Three  years  ago  you  marched  from  the  State  Capital 
"about  twenty  thousand  strong.  You  now  return  with  your 
"ranks  decimated  to  about  two  thousand  men.  We  have  heard 
"the  glorious  accounts  of  your  victories,  which  have  resounded 
"through  the  State  from  the  Alleghanies  to  the  Delaware. 

"It  was  the  intention  of  the  citizens  of  Harrisburg  to  give 
"you  a  dinner  on  this  very  spot  to-day,  but  you  have  taken  us 
"by  surprise.  You  have  completely  outflanked  us.  We  had 
"no  time  to  perfect  our  arrangements,  and  it  is  now  proposed 
"that  on  Wednesday  next,  at  2  p.  M.,  we  will  give  you  a  dinner. 
"We  will  make  it  at  a  time  when  you  will  enjoy  a  good  meal. 
"We  will  take  you  to  our  own  firesides,  to  mingle  with  our  own 
"families,  where  you  will  once  more  realize  the  full  pleasures 
"of  your  own  firesides,  under  your  own  vine  and  fig  tree." 

"After  the  address  of  Mayor  Roumfort,  Governor  Curtin 
"appeared  on  the  steps  of  the  Capitol,  and  then  ensued  a  scene 
"of  enthusiasm  scarce  equalled  in  the  history  of  the  old  State- 
"House  itself.  After  quiet  was  partially  restored,  the  Governor 
"proceeded  to  address  the  vast  multitude.  The  cheers  were  so 
"vehement  during  the  delivery  of  the  address,  that  frequently 
"the  voice  of  the  speaker  could  scarcely  be  heard.  He  said : 

"I  thank  you,  Mr.  Mayor,  and  the  people  of  this  city,  for 


330  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

"this  most  hearty  welcome.  The  hearts  of  the  people  are  indeed 
"stirred;  the  presence  of  this  shattered  remnant  of  a  once 
"mighty  corps  speaks,  if  I  may  be  pardoned  the  expression,  a 
"volume  in  an  instant;  and  I  am  utterly  at  a  loss  to  find  lan 
guage  to  express  to  you  the  sentiments  and  feelings  of  the 
"people  of  Pennsylvania  towards  you ;  it  may  be,  however, 
"compressed  into  this  brief  sentence:  'You  have  done  your 
"  'whole  duty  to  your  country.' 

"Three  years  ago  you  left  the  State  a  mighty  army,  and 
"hastened  to  the  then  endangered  and  beleaguered  Capital  of 
"your  country,  and  nearly  that  length  of  time  has  passed  since 
"at  that  Capital,  while  you  were  nobly  guarding  the  citadel  of 
"a  nation's  honor,  and  the  metropolis  of  a  nation  of  freemen,  I 
"had  the  honor  to  commit  to  your  care  these  standards,  which, 
"tattered  and  torn,  but  covered  with  the  evidences  of  lofty 
"service,  you  return  in  honor  to  the  State  to-day.  You  have 
"never  visited  the  State  since  then  save  once.  Once  you  came 
"back  to  Pennsylvania,  and  then  we  all  heard  of  'Round-top/  at 
"Gettysburg.  When  the  rest  gave  way,  we  heard  your  shouts 
"around  the  strongholds  of  the  foe  in  that  devoted  country,  and 
"to  you — to  the  Reserves  of  Pennsylvania — belongs  the  honor 
"of  changing  the  tide  of  battle  there. 

"I  cannot  speak  of  your  deeds,  they  have  passed  into  his- 
"tory,  and  I  have  not  time  to  enumerate  the  battles  you  have 
"been  in.  History,  I  repeat,  has  recorded  all  you  have  done 
"for  your  country.  To-day  I  feel  proud  of  my  office,  for  here, 
"speaking  for  the  whole  people  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  their 
"name  I  declare  their  belief  THAT  THE  RECORD  OF  THE  PENN- 

"SYLVANIA   RESERVES   IS    WITHOUT    S?OT   OR   BLEMISH.      I   this 

"day  thank  God  that  we,  at  the  right  moment,  armed  the  Re- 
"serves. 

"Of  the  heroic  dead  I  am  not  qualified  to  speak;  you  have 


MUSTER  OUT  331 

"left  them  on  the  battle-fields  of  the  Republic,  and  upon  their 
"graves  centres  the  gratitude  of  a  grateful  people.  I  say  I 
"cannot  speak  of  them; — I  am  not  equal  to  it;  the  field  of  the 
"dead  'rushes  red  on  my  sight/  and  language  fails  me.  But  I 
"can  welcome  you  to  your  homes,  from  the  North  to  the  South, 
"from  the  East  to  the  West,  the  voice  of  the  old  Common- 
"wealth  bids  you  welcome,  and  the  people  refer  with  pride  and 
"pleasure  to  the  part  this  great  State  has  borne  in  this  contest, 
"from  Dranesville  down  to  Bethesda  Church,  where  you  struck 
"your  heaviest  blows. 

"May  you  all  find  a  happy  welcome  to  your  homes !  May 
"you  ever  be  marked  as  brave  men  who  served  their  country 
"faithfully  in  times  of  great  peril.  May  you  never  regret  that 
"you  belonged  to  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  fighting  on 
"every  battle-field  of  the  Republic. 

"With  this  welcome,  I  bid  you  farewell ;  I  had  something 
"to  do  with  making  the  Reserve  Corps — God  be  blessed ! 

"I  am  not  ashamed  to  boast  in  this  multitudinous  assem 
blage  of  sunburnt,  bronzed  faces,  that  I  have  stood  by  the 
"Reserve  Corps  in  all  their  history.  I  bid  you  welcome  freely."1 

The  Bucktails  went  into  camp  at  Camp  Curtin  to  await 
their  muster-out.  Some  little  conflict  of  authority  occurred. 
At  first  the  officers  at  the  camp  demanded  that  the  regiment 
should  be  subject  to  all  rules  of  the  camp,  including  detail. 
Captain  McDonald,  considering  that  the  Bucktails  had  per 
formed  their  fair  share  of  guard  and  similar  duty,  promptly 
notified  the  camp  authorities  that  he  declined  to  permit  his 
regiment  to  be  treated  in  the  manner  suggested,  adding  that 
the  Bucktails,  as  they  were  only  waiting  for  their  formal  dis- 

lThe  account  of  the  reception  accorded  to  the  Reserves  is  for 
the  most  part  copied  from  Sypher's  "History  of  the  Pennsylvania 
"Reserve  Corps." 


332  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

charge,  would  enter  or  leave  camp  according  to  each  man's 
individual  desire.  He  was  informed  that  if  that  was  the  case 
they  would  receive  no  rations.  The  Bucktail  Captain,  not  the 
least  disconcerted,  laconically  remarked  that  he  understood  that 
most  of  the  men  had  their  rifles  with  them;  that  when  upon 
previous  occasions  they  had  been  unable  to  obtain  rations,  it 
was  his  impression  that  none  of  them  had  starved,  and  that  in 
the  present  circumstances  he  ''guessed  they'd  get  along  all 
"right." 

In  the  face  of  the  Bucktail  reputation  the  matter  was 
immediately  and  permanently  dropped.  The  men  came  and 
went  as  they  pleased,  while  every  care  was  taken  to  see  that 
their  rations  were  delivered  promptly.1 

On  June  I3th  the  Bucktails  were  formally  mustered  out 
of  the  United  States  service,2  despite  the  fact  that  they  had 
never  been  mustered  in.  On  the  other  hand,  they  were  per 
mitted  to  depart  without  being  mustered  out  of  the  State  ser 
vice,  into  which  they  indisputably  had  been  mustered  out.3  On 
the  1 5th  they  received  their  discharges  and  were  paid  off. 

In  squads  and  parties  the  men  returned  to  their  homes, 
cities  and  towns;  and  these  cities  and  towns  strove  to  show 
their  appreciation  of  the  services  rendered  to  the  country  by 
their  returning  citizens  or  townsmen,  by  public  meetings  and 
formal  observances. 

Gradually  the  war-worn  veterans  settled  down  and   re- 

1  The  behavior  of  the  Bucktails,  and  in  fact  of  all  the  Reserve  Regi 
ments,  while  in  Harrisburg,  was  above  reproach. 

2  This  date  is  given  in  diaries,  while  Captain  Bard  gives  June  I4th. 
Officially  the  date  is  June  nth. 

8  Troops  mustered  into  State  service  and  subsequently  mustered 
into  the  United  States  service  naturally  never  were  mustered  out  of 
the  State  service;  but  the  Bucktails,  actually,  never  were  mustered 
into  the  United  States  service. 


MUSTER  OUT  333 

sumed  the  occupations  which  they  had  left  at  the  call  of  their 
country;  though  they  watched  eagerly  the  concluding  acts  of 
the  drama,  which  under  the  guidance  of  the  Commander,  under 
whom  they  had  last  fought,  speedily  moved  to  an  end. 

The  next  spring,  on  April  Qth,  from  one  end  of  the  conti 
nent  to  the  other,  the  news  was  flashed  that  General  Grant, 
at  the  head  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  had  received  the 
surrender  of  General  Lee. 

Great  was  the  thankfulness  that  welled  up  in  the  hearts 
of  each,  that  the  cause  for  which  they  had  battled  had 
triumphed;  and  great  was  their  pride  that  the  army  under 
whose  banners  they  had  fought  had  in  the  end  achieved  the 
victory  to  which,  though  long  delayed,  they  had  ever  looked 
forward  with  confidence. 


APPENDIX   "A. 


MUSTER    ROLL.1 


FIELD    AND    STAFF    OFFICERS 


Thomas  L.  Kane   .       ..Colonel, 


Charles    J.    Biddle 


Colonel 


Mustered  as  private,  May  12,  1861 — pro 
moted  to  Colonel,  June  12,  1861— -re 
signed  and  elected  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
June  13,  1861 — wounded  at  Dranesville, 
December  20,  1861 — wounded  and  cap 
tured  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — 
promoted  to  Brigadier-General,  Sep 
tember  7,  1862 — resigned  November  ?. 
1863 — brevetted  Major-General,  March 
13,  1865. 

Captain  of  Company  in  Mexican  War — 
brevetted  Major — Mustered  in  May  29, 
promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel,  June 

12,  1861 — promoted  to   Colonel,   June 

13,  1861 — resigned,  February  i,  1862. 


muster  rolls  given  in  Bates'  "History  of  Pennsylvania  Volunteers" 
have  been  used  as  the  basis  of  the  ones  here  given.  Known  errors  have  been 
corrected,  and  much  information  added  from  the  rolls  as  given  in  Sypher's 
"History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,"  as  well  as  from  duplicate  mus 
ter  rolls,  diaries,  letters,  obituaries,  etc.,  etc.  Unfortunately  the  complete 
original  muster-out  rolls  were  not  on  file  in  the  Adjutant's  office,  when  Bates 
compiled  his  history. 

The  military  record  of  each  member  prior  or  subsequent  to  their  term 
of  service  in  the  Bucktails,  has,  where  known,  been  added  in  italics.  Most 
of  the  men  who  reenlisted  did  so  in  the  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  but 
unfortunately  neither  muster-in  nor  muster-out  rolls  were  obtainable  by  Bates 
for  some  of  the  companies.  As  with  the  exception  of  a  small  remnant  the 
entire  regiment  was  captured  on  August  19,  1864,  at  Weldon  Railroad,  and 
held  in  prison  till  the  spring  of  1865,  undoubtedly  many  of  the  men  not  so 
marked  here,  should  be  credited  as  captured  and  held  prisoners. 

335 


336  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 

Hugh  W.  McNeil  Colonel Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 

from  Captain,  Company  D,  to  Colonel, 
January  22,  1862 — killed  at  Antietam, 
September  16,  1862. 

Charles  F.  Taylor Colonel Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — promoted 

from  Captain,  Company  H,  to  Colonel, 
March  i,  1863— killed  at  Gettysburg, 
July  2,  1863. 

Alanson  E.  Niles Lieut. -Col..  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — promoted 

from  Captain,  Company  E,  to  Major, 
March  i,  1863 — promoted  to  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel,  May  15,  1863 — wounded 
at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863— resigned 
March  28,  1864 — to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  with  rank  of  Colonel,  1864 — to 
Captain  in  United  States  Army,  1865 — 
retired  1869. 

Edward  A.  Irvin  Lieut.-CoI..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 

from  Captain,  Company  K,  commis 
sioned,  not  mustered,  September  10, 
1862 — wounded  at  South  Mountain, 
September  14,  1862 — wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — dis 
charged,  account  of  wounds  received 
in  action,  May  i,  1863. 

Roy  Stone  Major Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 

from  Captain,  Company  D,  to  Major, 
June  13,  1861 — wounded  at  New  Mar 
ket  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  Colonel,  i^gth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  August  29,  1862 — wounded 
at  Gettysburg,  July  i,  i863—brevetted 
Brigadier-General,  September  7,  1864 — 
discharged  by  Special  Order,  January 
27,  1865— -Brigadier-General  of  Volun 
teers  in  Spanish- American  War. 

W.  Ross  Hartshorne  ...Major Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 

from  ist-Lieutenant,  Company  K,  to 
Adj  utant,  February,  1862 — wounded 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  Major,  May  22,  1863 — pro 
moted  to  Colonel,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  June  6,  1864 — captured  at 
Weldon  Railroad,  August  19,  1864— 
brevetted  Brigadier -General,  March  13, 
1865 — mustered  out  with  regiment, 
June  28,  1865. 


MUSTER  ROLL — FIELD  AND 


337 


John  T.  A.  Jcwett  Adjutant... 


Roger    Sherman    Adjutant. . . 


Henry  D.   Patton   Q-Master.  . 


Lucius    Truman    Q-Master. . 


S.   D.   Freeman    .... 
Jonathan  J.  Comfort 


.Surgeon. . . 
.Surgeon. .. 


W.  T.  Humphreys   As.-Surgeon 


William  B.  Jones. 
Daniel  O.   Crouch 


.As.-Surgeon 
As.-Surgeon 


Lafayette  Butler  As.-Surgeon. 


.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— promoted 
from  ist-Lieutenant,  Company  D,  to 
Adjutant — date  unknown — promoted 
to  Captain,  Company  D,  February  5, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— promoted 
from  Private,  Company  H,  to  Sergeant- 
Major,  July  20,  1861 — captured  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862 — 
promoted  to  Adjutant,  May  23,  1863— 
resigned  March  16,  1864. 

.  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 
from  ist-Lieutenant,  Company  F,  to 
Quartermaster — date  unknown — pro 
moted  to  Captain  and  Acting  Quar 
termaster,  United  States  Volunteers, 
December  i,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 
from  ist-Lieutenant,  Company  E,  to 
Quartermaster,  March  i,  1863 — to 
Quartermaster,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  June,  1864 — mustered  out 
with  regiment,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — resigned,  Oc 
tober  i,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  December  17,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — brevetted  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel,  March  13,  1865 — mus 
tered  out  with  regiment,  June  25,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  June  21,  1861 — promoted  to 
Surgeon,  I4$th  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  September  5,  1862 — discharged  by 
Special  Order,  January  17,  1865. 

Mustered  in  August  2,  1862 — resigned, 
November  i,  1862. 

Mustered  in  December  i,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — resigned,  June  10,  1863. 

Mustered  in  September  30,  1863 — to  As 
sistant  Surgeon  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  30,  1864 — discharged 
June  10,  1864. 


33» 


HISTORY  o?  THE  BUCKTAILS 


William  C.  Hunter. 


John  Lemon   


W.  H.  D.  Hatton Chaplain Mustered   in   August   3,    1861 — resigned 

November  n,  1862. 

William  Baker   Sergt.-Maj...  Mustered  in  August  15,  1862 — promoted 

from  Private,  Company  H,  to  Sergeant- 
Major,  July  29,  1863 — transferred  to 
Company  H,  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged  by 
General  Order,  June  2,  1865. 

Q.-M.-Sergt.  Mustered  in  May  21,  1861 — transferred 
to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — died  at  City  Point, 
Va.,  October  3,  1864. 

Com.-Sergt...  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 
from  Corporal,  Company  K,  January 
i,  1863 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  ii,  1864. 

R.  Fenton  Ward  Hosp.-St Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted  to 

2nd-Lieutenant,  Company  I,  July  I, 
1862. 

W.  Wallace  Brown. ..  .Hosp.-St Mustered    in    May    16,    1861 — promoted 

from  Private,  Company  C — date  un 
known — wounded  at  Fredericksburg, 
December  13,  1862 — honorably  dis 
charged  by  Secretary  of  War,  May  16, 
1863 — expiration  of  term  of  enlistment. 

Jeremiah  J.  Starr  Hosp.-St Mustered    in    May    28,    1861 — promoted 

from  Private,  Company  H,  July  29, 
1863 — transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Henry  Zundel  Pl.-Muc Mustered    in    May    29,    1861—  promoted 

from  Private,  Company  F,  September, 
1863 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 


COMPANY    A. 

RECRUITED    AT    LAWRENCEVILLE,    TIOGA   COUNTY,    PA. 

Mustered  in  June  11,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Philip  Holland  

John  G.  Harrower  .  . . 


Captain. .  . . 
Captain..  .. 


Neri  B.   Kinsey   ist-Lieut... 


Edwin  B.  Leonard   ist-Lieut. . 


Daniel  Orcutt   .  .  .2nd-Lieut. 


Arial  K.  Sayles Sergeant. . . 

Edwin  J.  Hunt   Sergeant... 

John  Hawe  Sergeant. . . 

Daniel  S.  Boardman   ...Sergeant... 

339 


.Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862. 

•  Mustered    in    June    n,    1861 — promoted 

from  ist-Lieutenant  to  Captain,  March 
i,  1863 — resigned  June  22,  1863 — to 
Adjutant,  i6ist  New  York  Volunteers. 

•  Mustered     in    June     I,     1861 — promoted 

from  2nd-Lieutenant  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
June  30,  1862 — transferred  and  pro 
moted  to  Captain,  Company  C,  March 
i,  1863. 

.  Mustered  in  August  i,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
promoted  from  ist-Sergeant  to  ist- 
Lieutenant,  March  i,  1863 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — promoted  to 
2nd-Lieutenant,  March  26,  1863 — killed 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8-21, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  ii,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  11,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  18,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  28, 
1863. 


340 


HISTORY  o*  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Andrew  Godfrey  Sergeant. 


John  M.  Steele   Sergeant. 


Allen  A.  Van  Orsdale. .  .Sergeant, 
William  N.  Ramsey Sergeant. 


Orrin  M.  Stebbins   Sergeant.. 

Samuel   O.   Millsworth ..  Sergeant. 

John  B.  Wakley Corporal. 

A.  John   Smith   Corporal. 

Horace   A.   Stever    Corporal. , 

Albert  A.  Seeley  Corporal. . 

George   Dougherty Musician . 


..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  A,  looth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
captured — died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C. — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — transferred  to  Company  A,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31, 1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  ist-Lieutenant 
— discharged  November  8,  1864,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  I,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — captured 
at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862— 
captured  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House, 
May  19,  1864 — prisoner  from  May  19 
to  December  6,  1864 — discharged 
March  31,  1865. 

.  .Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  10,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — discharged  on  account  of  wounds 
received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  July  21,  1861— wounded  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sep 
tember  13,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  August  21,  1861— killed  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — transferred  to  Com 
pany  A,  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864— Veteran — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 


MUSTEK  Rou< — COMPANY  A  341 

Henry  H.  Taggart  Musician.  ..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861— mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Arnold,  Eli  S Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Babcock,  Thaddeus  Private Mustered  in  July  25,  1861 — killed  at  New 

Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862. 

Baker,  Albert  D Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 

November  17,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  South  Mountain, 
September  14,  1862. 

Beeman,  Seymore  Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — deserted 

July  21,  1863. 

Bogart,  Wallace  Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 

New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — died  of  wounds  August  2,  1862. 

Bowman,  George  W.  ...Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Brimer,  Uriah  Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  9, 
1861. 

Bruce,  Edwin  T Private Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — killed  at 

Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  12, 
1864— Veteran. 

Buck,  D.  Frank Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — to  Veteran 

Reserve  Corps — date  unknown — trans 
ferred  from  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
May  21,  1864 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  n,  1864. 

Cady,  Alpheus  Private Mustered  in  July  2,  1861 — transferred  to 

Company  A,  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — mus 
tered  out  ivith  company,  June  28,  186$. 

Card,  Simon  B Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

Chase,  William  H Private Mustered  in  June  11,  1861 — transferred 

to  Company  G,  September  I,  1861. 

Clark,  Charles  W Private Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — wounded 

at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862 — 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
October  31,  1862. 

Cobel,  Norman  R Private Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 


342 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Cole,  James,  Jr.  . . 
Colgrove,  Orner  . . 
Conklin,  Joseph  .  . 


Counselman,    Wash. 
Cowels,    Henry    S. 

Crocket,  John 

Davidson,  James  K. 


Davis,  Leroy  P. 

Davis,   Samuel    S. 


.Private. 
.Private. 
.Private. 

.  Private . 
.Private. 
.Private. 
.Private. 

.Private. 
Private. 


Dorcy,  Henry  S Private. 


Doyle,  George  K Private, 


Drier,   Charles    .  . 
Drifuss,   Solomon 


Private. 
Private. 


Drummon,  Eben  B Private, 


...Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — died  at 
Falmouth,  Va.,  May  19,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
died  December  30,  1862. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  30,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  2,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 

. . .  Mustered  in  October  25,  1864 — not  on 
muster-out  roll. 

...Mustered  in  July  24,  1862 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
discharged  February  20,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — died  September  6,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — wounded  at 
Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862 — 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate. 
May  4,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  August  I,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  A,  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged 
July  31,  1864 — expiration  of  term. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — ab 
sent,  on  furlough,  at  muster-out. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  15,  1862 — transferred 
to  Company  A,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged 
by  General  Order,  June  i,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  September  5,  1862 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 


MUSTER  Row, — COMPANY  A 


343 


Drummond,  Richard  B.. Private.. 


Durkes,   L,evi    Private. 


Edgerton,  W.  S Private. 


Evans,   Michael    Private 


Freeland,   Samuel    Private, 


Freeman,  Freedom  Private. 


Gee,  George  H Private. 


Goodel,  Abner   Private 


Goodnough,  Willard    ...Private. 


Gorton,  Farnsworth   Private. 


. .  Mustered  in  September  5,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  A,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  1 05th  Company,  2nd  Bat 
talion,  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  Janu 
ary  9,  1865 — discharged,  expiration  of 
term. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — discharged  October  14,  1862,  on 
account  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  Company  A,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

•  •  Mustered  in  June  n,  1864 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  24, 
1863. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
captured  on  battlefield  December  24, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  February  23,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
July  4,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862. 

, . .  Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862— died  September  12,  1862,  of 
wounds. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861— wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862— discharged  October  31,  1862,  on 
account  of  wounds. 


344 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII«S 


Grover,   Reuben  L Private. 

Guyer,   Charles    Private. 

Hardy,  Michael  Private. 

Harrower,    Gabriel    T... Private. 

Harvey,  Hiram  W Private. 

Hayler,  Frederick  M.. .  .Private. 
Herrick,  Pierce   Private. 

Hill,  John  Private. 

Impson,  Benjamin  E.. .  .Private. 

Impson,  Joseph  C Private. 

Kimball,  George   Private . 

Kinsey,  Niles  V Private. 

Kriner,  Joseph  Private. 

Lewis,  Lewis  O Private. 

Lewis,  William  J.  .       ..Private. 


Lyon,  George  E.  Private . 


MeClure,    Perry    Private. 


...Mustered  in  June  II,  1861 — captured  at 

Second  Bull  Run,   August  30,   1862— 

mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 

1864. 
...Mustered    in    June    n,    1861 — killed    at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862. 
...Mustered    in    June    n,    1861 — killed    at 

Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 
...Mustered  in  July  21,    1861 — transferred 

to  serve  unexpired  term — mustered  out 

August  9,  1864. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  4,  1861. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,   1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  15,  1862. 
...Mustered  in  June    u,   1861 — discharged 

on   Surgeon's  certificate,   December  9, 

1861. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  24,  1861. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,   1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  21,  1861. 
...Mustered    in   August   21,    1861 — died   at 

Alexandria,  Va.,  March  4,  1862. 
...Mustered   in   July   21,    1861 — discharged 

on   Surgeon's  certificate,  December  9, 

1861. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,   1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  23,  1862. 
...Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — died  at  New 

burg,   Pa.,  August  19,  1861. 
...Mustered    in    June    n,    1861— killed    at 

Second  Bull  Run,  August  29,  1862. 
...Mustered  in   June    n,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  February  27, 

1863. 
...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 

Fredericksburg,    December    13,    1862 — 

transferred  to  Company  A,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania    Volunteers,  May  31,   1864 — 

Veteran  —  died    at    Baltimore,     Md., 

March  31,  1865. 
...Mustered  in  June    n,    1861 — discharged 

on   Surgeon's   certificate,   December  3, 

1862. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  A 


345 


McCort,  Patrick   Private. 


McFall,   Alexander   G...Priyate. 


Magee,  Hugh  J Private. 


Miller,  James  H Private. 

Miller,  Joseph   Private. 

Moorehouse,  Adon   Private. 

Newcomer,  Abraham  ...Private. 
O'Dell,  Henry   Private. 

Olin,  Edward  Private. 

Phillips,    Sylvester  D.. .  .Private. 

Phinney,  Benjamin  F.. .  .Private. 
Reed,  Tip   Private. 


.Mustered  in  August  3,  1862 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  United  States  Navy, 
September,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862— wounded  at  Spottsyl- 
vania  Court  House,  May  8,  1864 — 
transferred  to  Company  A,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — deserted 
March  2,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — deserted 
July  25,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — wounded 
at  South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 
— deserted  and  joined  6th  United 
States  Cavalry,  November,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  March  17,  1862 — died  at 
Washington,  D.  C.,  June  16,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — transfer- 
ferred  to  Company  A,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1862 — Vet 
eran — died  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  Octo 
ber  31,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

•Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  July  21,  1861— killed  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8, 
1864. 


346 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII^ 


Roher,   Silas    Private. 

Rowley,  John  R Private. 

Rowley,   Seeley   B Private. 


Seamans,   Eli  B.    ,          ..Private.. 


Seeley,  William  G Private. . 

Seeley,  William  R Private. . 

Self,  William  E Private. . 

Smith,  Cornelius  J Private.. 

Stanley,  Levi    Private. . 

Stebbins,    Samuel    Private. . 

Stewart,  Thomas   P.    ...Private.. 
Sullivan,  Richard   B.    ...Private.. 

Sullivan,  T.  W Private. . 


...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862— killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  u,  1861 — deserted 
September  17,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862 — to 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps — transferred 
from  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  May  21, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  u,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  I,  June,  1861 — wounded 
and  captured  at  New  Market  Cross 
Roads,  June  30,  1862 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  Octo 
ber,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  21,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  18, 
1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

, . .  Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — pro 
moted  to  Corporal — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  23,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  13,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — deserted  and 
joined  6th  United  States  Cavalry,  No 
vember,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  1 1,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 


MUSTER  ROI.IV — COMPANY  A 


347 


Sweet,  Aser    Private. 

Turner,  James  C Private. 

Van  Vliet,  Isaac  Private. 

Vasttinder,   James    Private. 

Wakeley,   Mortimer   S. .  .Private. , 
Wakeley,  Samuel  M.  ...Private., 


Walker,   James    Private. . 

Webster,  Homer  D Private.  . 

Webster,  James  Private. . 

Wiles,   Allison    Private.  . 

Wiles,  Luther Private. . 

Willoughby,  Geo.  W.  R.. Private.. 
Wright,  William  D.    ...Private.. 


. .  .Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  lyoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — ab 
sent,  sick,  at  muster-out. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  10,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  2,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  9, 
1861. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863,  transferred  to 
Company  A,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — cap 
tured  at  Weldon  railroad,  prisoner 
from  August  19,  1864,  to  June  5,  1865 
— discharged  by  General  Order,  June 
13,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — 
discharged  February  28,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — wounded  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — discharged 
—  date  unknown  —  on  account  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  June  II,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  A,  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  n,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  5> 
1861. 


COMPANY    B. 

RECRUITED    AT    DUNCANNON,    PERRY    COUNTY,    PA. 
Mustered  in  June  4,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Langhorne  Wister 


.Captain Mustered  in  June  4,   1861 — wounded  at 

Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862— promoted 
to  Colonel  i$oth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  September  5,  1862 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  i,  1863— resigned 
February  22,  1864 — brevetted  Briga 
dier-General,  March  13,  1865. 


Thomas  B.  Lewis  Captain.. 


John   A.    Gulp 
William   Allison 


nt-Lieut  . 
ist-Lieut. 


Philip  E.  Keiser   .......  ist-Lieut.. 


Joel  R.  Sparr   2nd-Lieut, 


.  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted 
from  i  st- Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieutenant 
December  12, 1861 — captured  at  Games' 
Mill,  June  27,  1862 — promoted  to  Cap 
tain,  September  16,  1862 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — resigned  No 
vember  i,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted  to 
i  st-Lieutenant — date  unknown — killed 
at  Antietam,  September  16,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted  to 
ist- Sergeant,  December  12,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August 
30,  1862— promoted  to  i  st-Lieutenant, 
March  i,  1863— mustered  out  with 
company,  June  u,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861— promoted  to 
to  Sergeant,  December  12,  1861 — pro 
moted  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  March  I, 
1863— wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3, 
1863— mustered  out  with  company, 
June  u,  1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  B 


349 


Frederick   A.   Perry i*t-Sergt. 

Thomas  J.  Belton ist-Sergt., 

Charles    W.   Tierney Sergeant. . 

Robert  B.  Bothwell   ....Sergeant. 


John  W.  Mutzebaugh  . .  .Sergeant.. 


Lemuel  K.  Morton  Sergeant . 


John  O'Brien   Sergeant.. 


Mark  Burke   Sergeant. . 

Joseph  H.  Meek   Corporal.. 

Hiram  G.  Wolf  Corporal. . 

J.  H.   Mutzebaugh   Corporal. . , 


..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted  to 
Sergeant,  July  5,  1863 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — killed  at  Get 
tysburg,  July  3,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted  to 
Sergeant,  November  i,  1863 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — promoted  to  Sergeant, 
November  20,  1863 — wounded  at  Spott- 
sylvania  Court  House,  May  12,  1864 — 
absent,  sick,  at  muster-out. 

.  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — promoted 
from  Corporal  to  Sergeant,  July  I, 
1863 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
discharged,  May  27,  1864 — to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
died  June  4,  1864,  of  wounds  received 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  9, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — deserted, 
June  28,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Mine  Run,  November  28, 
1863 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded — 
date  unknown — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864 — to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  by 
General  Order  of  War  Department, 
1862. 


350 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


John  W.  Parsons   Corporal. 


Henry  J.  Jones  .... 


.  Corporal. 


Jacob  E.   Stuckey   Corporal. 


Samuel  Galbraith  . 
John  A.  Wilkinson 
Arnold,  George  L.  . 
Austin,  Charles  .  . . 


Earth,  John    

Black,  Isaac  G.   . . 


Bolden,  James  .... 
Branyan,  James  A. 
Branyan,  Robert  H. 


.Corporal. 
.Musician 
Private. . 
.Private.  . 

.Private. . 
.Private.. 

.Private. . 
.Private. . 
.Private. . 


Breckbill,   Jeremiah    ....  Private. 


Burns,  James  E Private, 


. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  November  8,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — discharged  on  Sur 
geon's  certificate,  August  I,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — died  Novem 
ber  16,  1863,  of  wounds  received  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — killed  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861— discharged 
August  2,  1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — deserted,  Au 
gust  5,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Wilderness,  May  7,  1864 — absent,  sick, 
at  muster-out. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  8,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  8, 
1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  December  26,  1861 — wound 
ed  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June 
30,  1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  cer 
tificate,  August  22,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  June  9,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

, . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  July  4,  1861. 


MUSTER  ROU, — COMPANY  B 


Caswell,  Edward Private. . 

Cook,  George  L Private. . 

Davis,  Enoch  R Private.  . 

Dile,  George  L Private. . , 

Duncan,  Joseph   Private. . , 

Ebright,  George  W Private.  . . 

Etter,  Jacob    Private .  . . 

Evans,  David   Private.  . , 

Farnsworth,    Samuel    .  . .  Private. . , 


Fissell,  John  A Private. 

Fissell,  William  A Private. 

Fleck,  Ephraim  B Private. 


..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
August  i,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded — 
date  unknown — discharged  on  Sur 
geon's  certificate,  October  28,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  July  29,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps — date  unknown — trans 
ferred  from  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  3,  1861 — transferred 
to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864— Veteran. 

• .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — died  February 
28,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — deserted  Au 
gust  u,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  August  3,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  14, 
1862. 

..Mustered  in  January  16,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  Company  B,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  Corporal — captured  at 
Weldon  railroad,  prisoner  from  Au 
gust  19,  1864,  to  February  28,  1865 — 
discharged  by  General  Order,  July  3, 
1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Wilderness,  May  5-7,  1864 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  3,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — discharged  by  General 
Order,  November  14,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  Company  B.  5th  United  States 
Cavalry. 


35* 


HISTORY  o?  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Foram,  Patrick   Private . . 

Foster,  Erastus  R Private. . 

Foster,  Francis  A Private. . 

Furlong,  Philip   Private.. 

Gillespie,  Thomas  W.  . .  .Private. . 
Green,  Thomas  G Private. . 

Hartzell,  Isaiah  Private. . 

Hayner,  Edward  Private. . 

Holland,  William  A Private. . , 

Hood,  John Private. . . 

Irwin,  William  H.  H..  ..Private. . 


Jamison,    John    Private. 

Johnson,  William  H.    ..Private. 

Jones,  Nicholas  Y Private. 

Jumper,  Conrad Private. 


.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861  —  died  at  Man- 

assas,  Va.,  April  13,  1862. 
.  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861  —  discharged  on 

Surgeon's    certificate,    July   28,    1862  — 

re-enlisted. 
.  Mustered  in  August   19,   1861   wounded 

at    Dranesville,    December    20,    1861  — 

discharged,  May  I,  1862,  on  account  of 

wounds  received  in  action. 
.  Mustered   in  June  4,   1861  —  wounded  at 

Second  Bull   Run,   August  30,   1862  — 

discharged    on     Surgeon's    certificate, 

January  20,  1863. 
.  Mustered    in   March   6,    1862  —  killed   at 

New    Market    Cross    Roads,   June   30, 

1862. 
.Mustered  in  June  4,   1861  —  wounded  at 

Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862  —  mustered 

out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861  —  mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
.Mustered  in  August  6,  1861  —  transferred 

to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 


.Mustered  in  June  4,   1861  —  wounded  at 

Antietam,     September     16-17,     1862  — 

mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 

1864. 
.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861  —  discharged  on 

Surgeon's  certificate,  July  24,  1861. 
.  Mustered  in  June  4,   1861  —  wounded  at 

Mechanicsville,     June     26,     1862—  dis 

charged  on   Surgeon's   certificate,   De 

cember  10,  1862. 
.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861—  discharged  on 

Surgeon's  certificate,  July  4,  1861. 
.Mustered  in  August  8,   1861—  absent  at 

muster-out. 
.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861  —  mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
Mustered    in    March   6,    1862—  killed   at 

South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 


MUSTER  Rou* — COMPANY  B 


353 


Kugler,  Charles  Private. 

Lawyer,   Joseph  T Private. 

Lehman,   Peter    Private. 

Lenig,  Joshua    Private. 

Lewis,  John  B Private. 

McCallum,  George   Private. 

McCloud,  Jacob  Private. 

Magee,  Ambrose  B Private. 

Mayall,  Miles  A Private. 

Meek,  John  C Private. 

Mell,    John   H Private. 

Metz,  Andrew  J Private. 

Mick,   Solomon    Private. 

Mitchell,  Samuel  M.   ...Private. 

Myers,  Jacob   Private. 

Parsons,  Theodore  A.  ..Private. 

Pennell,    John    Private. 


Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — deserted,  Sep 
tember  15,  1862. 

Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — died  Septem 
ber  20,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
Antietam,  September  17,  1862. 

Mustered  in  March  6,  1862 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  12,  1862. 

Mustered  in  August  6,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  10,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  Jxdy  4,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — died  March 
i,  1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

.Mustered  in  March  6,  1862 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  February  19, 
1863. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged — 
date  unknown — to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  by 
General  Order,  May  9,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  August  6,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  4,  1862. 

.  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  September  17, 
1861. 

.Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  August  8,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  March  6,  1862 — killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862. 

.  Mustered  in  August  6,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — dis 
charged  April  28,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

24 


354 


HISTORY  OF  THE:  BUCKTAII^S 


Prcssley,   William  H.    ..Private. 

Raup,  George Private. 

Rennard,   Charles    Private. 

Reynolds,  John    Private. 

Richard,  David    Private. 

Roberts,  Thomas  C Private. 

Sayers,  John  Private. 

Seiler,  John    Private. 

Seiler,  Reuben   Private. 

Seward,  Levi   Private. 

Shaeffer,  Oliver Private. 

Shatto,  Alexander    Private. 

Shatto,  George  W Private . 


Shatto,  John  E Private . 

Sheibley,  George  W.   ...Private. 


Sheibley,   Thomas  J.    ...Private. 


...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — killed  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861. 

. . .  Mustered  in  August  8,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  Company  D,  46th  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  September  24,  1861. 

..  .Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  F — date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  August  8,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  10,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8-21, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  II,  1864. 

.  ..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — killed  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — deserted 
December  22,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  January  16,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864 — Veteran — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  December  30, 
1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  July  24,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  August  10,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  August  6,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  August  10,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  IT,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — wounded 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  9, 
1864 — absent,  'in  hospital,  at  muster- 
out. 


MUSTER  ROIA — COMPANY  B 


355 


Smith,  John  C Private. 

Snyder,  Truman  K Private. 

Sparr,  George  H Private. 


Spear,   Samuel   Private.. 

Staehl,  John  F Private.  . 

Stevenson,  Wm.  M Private.. 

Sweger,  Absalom    Private. . 

Topley,  Samuel  A Private. . 

Valentine,  Robert  B.   ...Private.. 

Vanzant,  James  M Private. . 

Walker,  James  B Private. . 

Watson,  George  C Private. . 


..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864— ab 
sent,  in  hospital,  at  muster-out. 

.  .Mustered  in  January  16, 1862 — discharged 
by  General  Order,  December  n,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  October  10,  1861 — captured 
— date  unknown — died  at  Chesapeake 
Hospital,  February  7,  1863. 
..Mustered  in  June  4,  1861— killed  at  Get 
tysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — captured  at 
Wilderness,  May  8,  1864. 

, .  .Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  August  7,  1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded — 
date  unknown — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  July  28,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — wounded  at  Gettysburg, 
July  2-3,  1863 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  II,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
March  12,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  .Mustered  in  June  4,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  July  4,  1861. 


COMPANY   C. 

RECRUITED    AT    EMPORIUM,    CAMERON    COUNTY,    PA. 

Mustered  in  June  1,  1861,  for  three  years'  service.1 


John  A.  Eldred 
Leander  W.  Gifford 


.Captain..  . . 
.Captain.. .. 


Neri  B.   Kinsey   Captain... 


.Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— resigned,  Sep 
tember  10,  1 86 1. 

.Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— promoted 
from  2nd-Lieutenant  to  Captain,  1861 
— wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6, 
1862— resigned,  November  17,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  n,  1861— transferred 
and  promoted  from  ist-Lieutenant  of 
Company  A  to  Captain,  March  I,  1863 
—wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863 
— transferred  to  Company  C,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— brevetted  Major,  October  I,  1864 — 
discharged,  March  8,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— killed  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  June  i,  1861—  promoted 
from  i st- Sergeant  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
March  i,  1863— mustered  out  with 
company,  June  II,  1864— brevetted 
Captain,  March  13,  1865. 

.Resigned — date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— promoted 
from  ist-Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieutenant, 
November  2,  1861 — wounded  at  Frede- 
ricksburg,  December  13,  1862 — re 
signed,  April  20,  1863. 

1  The  dates,  on  which  several  of  the  men  in  this  company  were  mustered 
in  are  not  known  with  certainty.    They  are  therefore  not  given. 
356 


William  B.  Jenkins 
J.  Wood  Craven   . . 


ist-Lieut.. 
ist-Lieut.. 


Robert  B.  Warner 
Oscar   D.   Jenkins 


,2nd-L,ieut. 
.2nd-Iyieut. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  C 


357 


Moses  W.  Lucore  2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — promoted 

from  Corporal  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  July 
i,  1863 — transferred  to  Company  C, 
ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — promoted  from  znd-Lieuten- 
ant  to  ist-Lieutenant — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

Enoch  Barnum  Sergeant. .  .Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — wounded  at 

Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 
— wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decem 
ber  13,  1862 — absent,  on  detached  duty, 
at  muster-out. 

Augustus  S.  Smith Sergeant Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— transferred  to 

iQOth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Sydney  J.  Crocker  Corporal.. .  -Mustered  in  June  i,  1861—  transferred  to 

igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864— Veteran. 

G.  W.  Fine  Corporal Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— killed  at  Har 
risonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

Akley,  Levi  R Private Transferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864. 

Akley,  Reuben  Private Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate— date 

unknown. 

Akley,  Sydney  L Private Transferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864. 

Bennett,  A.  D Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— deserted— date 

unknown. 

Blair,  John  P Private Mustered  in  June  5,  1861— wounded  at 

Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863— transfer 
red  to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers — date  unknown — promoted 
to  Sergeant — died  at  Annapolis,  Md.t 
March  15,  1865— Veteran. 

Brown,  W.  Wallace Private Mustered  in  May  16,  j&5/— transferred 

from  Company  I,  December,  1861 — pro 
moted  to  Hospital  Steward — date  un 
known. 

Burrows,  Cassin  Private Mustered  in  June  5,  1861— transferred  to 

Veteran  Corps — date  unknown. 

Butcher,  F.  H Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— transferred  to 

cavalry  regiment — date  unknown. 

Campbell,  John  J Private Transferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864. 


358 


HISTORY  otf  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Campbell,  Thomas Private Mustered  in  June   i,   1861— wounded  at 

Predericksburg,    December    13,    1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 


Canfield,    Frederick    ....Private. 

Garner,    Erastus    Private. 

Carney,  Charles  B Private. 

Clark,   James    Private . 

Cook,  George  W Private. 


Coorst,  John  S 

Coorst,   Samuel 


. . .  .Private. 
.  .Private, 


Coorst,   William   E Private.. 

Dailey,    Philip    Private.  . 

Danly,  John  S Private. . 

Daughenbaugh,  Charles.  .Private. . 

Davison,   Reese  J Private. . 

DeHart,  Uriah Private. . 

Denham,  E.   P Private. . 

Doty,    William    Private. . 

Dual,  J.   S Private.. 


.  .Died  of  wounds  received  at  Harrison- 
burg,  June  6,  1862. 

. .  Transferred  to  looth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — killed  at  South 
Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — transferred 
to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. .  .Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

...Wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — transferred 
to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  in  July  I,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  in  July  I,  1861— killed  at  Har 
risonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — transferred 
to  looth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. . .  Captured  at  Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862— 
transferred  to  looth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — captured 
at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
transferred  to  looth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. . .  Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

. . .  Captured— date  unknown— transferred  to 
iQOth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  5,  1861— deserted- 
date  unknown. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  C 


359 


Esterbrook,  G.  P Private Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 

date  unknown. 

Fairbanks,  D.  W Private Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — wounded  at 

Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863: — transferred 
to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Felker,  John  Private Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — captured  at 

Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 
— transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  Corporal — date  unknown. 

Freeman,  D.  C Private Wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 

— transferred  and  promoted — date  and 
rank  unknown. 

French,  Leonard  Private Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— wounded  and 

captured  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 
— wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decem 
ber  13,  1862— wounded  at  Gettysburg, 
July  2-3,  1863 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  ii,  1864. 

Gettings,  John  H Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — wounded  and 

captured  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 
—absent  at  muster-out. 

Gibbs,  Albert  E Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— mustered  out 

with  company,  June  11,  1864. 

Gleason,  Michael  L Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— captured  at 

Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
absent  at  muster-out. 

Greal,  John  Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— died— date 

unknown. 

Greeley,  Horace  H Private Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 

unknown. 

Green,  George  Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— captured  at 

Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862— 
transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
— date  unknown. 

Grow,   John    Private Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— deserted—date 

unknown. 

Guthrie,   George    Private Mustered    in    June    i,    1861— -discharged 

by  Special  Order — date  unknown. 


36o 


HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 


Guthrie,   Smith  E Private, 

Hanlon,  Patrick  B Private, 

Haumer,   Alvin    Private, 

Haumer,  George  Private . 

Killer,   Albert    Private . 

Horton,  Irwin   Private. 

Inglesby,  Russel  A Private. 

Johnson,  James  A.  C.  ..Private. 

Jordon,  L.  T Private. 

Kirk,  Firmin  F Private . 


Landers,  S.  W Private. 

Lindsay,  Thomas  H.  ...Private. 

Lucore,  Anson  Private. 

Lucore,  Luther   Private. 


...Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.  ..Mustered  in  June  1, 1861 — deserted — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — discharged 
on  account  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

. . .  Discharged  on  account  of  wounds  re 
ceived  in  action. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — killed  at  Fred- 
ericksburg  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864— Veteran— 
captured  at  Weldon  railroad,  prisoner 
from  August  19  to  December  31,  1864. 

, ,  Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — killed  at  South 
Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

. . .  Transferred  to  Company  C,  ipoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — promoted  to  Corporal — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  May  24, 
1865. 

.  ..Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — transferred  to 
iQOth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — discharged 
on  account  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  C 


361 


Lyons,  Owen   Private. 


McCann,    John    Private. 

McCarrick,   Matthew.  . .  .Private. 
McElhaney,  John    Private. 

McGill,  J.  C Private. 

McGowen,  George  W.  ..Private. 

McGreggor,  Chas.  A.   ..Private. 

McHenry,  John  A Private . 

McHenry,  Perry   Private. 

McMahon,  Simon  ...... .Private. 

Malone,  Thomas   Private. 

Mestler,  G.  F Private. 

Miller,  J.  S Private. 

Minard,  B.  F Private. 

Minard,    Seneca   F Private. 

Moyer,    Samuel   C Private. 


...Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  C,  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  I4th  Volunteer 
Reserve  Corps — discharged  by  General 
Order,  July  24,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— died  of 
wounds  received  at  Cross  Keys,  June 
8,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— died  of 
wounds  received  at  Harrisonburg,  June 
6,  1862. 

..  -Mustered  in  June  1, 1861 — deserted — date 
unknown. 

...Wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — absent  at  muster-out. 

...Died  of  wounds  received  at  Harrison- 
burg,  June  6,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — transferred 
to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 
— wounded  at  Antietam,  September  17, 
1862 — wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — discharged  on  Sur 
geon's  certificate — date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — died  of 
wounds  received  at  Cross  Keys,  June 
8,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — killed — date 
unknown. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  5,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 

. .  .Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — deserted — date 
unknown 

.  ..Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — killed  at  Fred 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 


362 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Murphy,  William   Private. 

Norris,  John    Private . 

O'Byrne,   James    Private . 

Parker,  Lewis   Private. 

Patterson,  G.  L Private. 

Payne,  William  Private. 

Post,  Smith  G Private. 

Radder,  John  Private . 

Russel,  J.  S Private. 

Sanford,  Samuel  Private . 

Schlatzer,  Orrin  J Private. 

Sharp,  Samuel  Private. 

Shattock,  Benjamin   ....Private. 

Sheely,  Patrick   Private. 

Shoemaker,  William   ...Private. 


Sloat,  William  Private. 

Smithers,  John   Private , 

Soper,  Samuel  M Private, 


...Mustered    in    June    5,    1861 — discharged 

June  25,  1861. 
. .  .Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — transferred  to 

Artillery — date   unknown. 
. .  .Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — transferred  to 

iqoth    Pennsylvania    Volunteers,    May 

31,  1864 — Veteran. 
...Mustered   out   with    company,   June    n, 

1864. 
. .  -Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — discharged  on 

Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 
...Mustered   out   with   company,    June    IT, 

1864. 
..  .Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 

unknown. 
. .  .Mustered    in    June    i,    1861— discharged 

on  account  of  wounds  received  at  Har- 

risonburg,  June  6,  1862. 
. . .  Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— discharged  on 

Surgeon's   certificate — date   unknown. 
.  ..Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — discharged  on 

Surgeon's   certificate— date   unknown. 
...Mustered  in  June   i,   1861 — wounded  at 

New   Market   Cross   Roads,   June   30, 

T862 — transferred  to  igoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 
. . .  Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
. . .  Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — discharged  on 

Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 
. . .  Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
. . .  Mustered   in  June   i,    1861 — captured   at 

Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862 — wounded  at 

Fredericksburg,    December    13,    1862 — 

mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 

1864. 
. . .  Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 

unknown. 
Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
. . .  Mustered  in  June  i,  1861— killed  at  Wil 
derness,  May  5-7,  1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  C 


363 


Stolicker,    Abraham Private . 


Taylor,  Jerome   Private. 

Thall,  John  Private. 

Titcomb,  David  Private. 

Tupper,  Darius   Private. 

Washburn,  James  E.  ...Private. 

Wright,  Benjamin  F.    ..Private. 


.  .Mustered  in  June  i,  1861 — transferred  to 
Company  C,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — cap 
tured  at  Weldon  railroad,  prisoner 
from  August  19,  1864,  to  February  28, 
1865 — discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  12,  1865. 

. .  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  June  I,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

. .  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  June  I,  1861— captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.  .Wounded  at  South  Mountain,  September 
14,  1862 — wounded  at  Spottsylvania 
Court  House,  May  8,  1864 — transfer 
red  to  Company  C,  iqoth  Pennsylvania, 
Volunteers, — date  unknown — captured 
at  Weldon  railroad,  prisoner  August 
19,  1864,  to  February  22,  1865 — promot 
ed  from  private  to  2nd-Lieutenant  June 
28,  1865 — promoted  to  ist-Licutenant, 
July  3,  1865,  not  mustered — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  28,  186$. 


COMPANY    D. 

RECRUITED     IN     WARREN     COUNTY,     PA. 
Mustered  in  May  29,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Roy    Stone    Captain Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— promoted  to 

Major,  June  13,  1861. 

Hugh  W.  McNeil  Captain Mustered    in    May    29,    1861— promoted 

from  ist-Lieutenant  to  Captain,  June  I, 
1861— promoted  to  Colonel,  January 
22,  1862. 

John  T.  A.  Jewett Captain Mustered    in    May    29,    1861— promoted 

from  2nd-Lieutenant  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
June  12,  1861 — promoted  to  Adjutant 
— date  unknown — promoted  to  Cap 
tain,  February  5,  1862— resigned,  Janu 
ary  5,  1863. 

David  G.  McNaughton  .Captain Mustered    in    May    29,    1861— promoted 

from  private  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  June 
24,  1861 — promoted  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
March  i,  1862— wounded  at  Freder- 
icksburg,  December  13,  1862— pro 
moted  to  Captain,  March  i,  1863 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864— brevetted  Major,  March  13,  1865. 

Riboro  D.  Hall   ist-Lieut..  ..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 

Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862— promoted 
from  Private  to  2nd-L:eutenant,  Febru 
ary  28,  1863— promoted  to  ist-Lieuten 
ant,  March  i,  1863 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  11,  1864. 

Robert  Hall    2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered    in    May    29,    1861— promoted 

from      Sergeant     to     2nd-Lieutenant, 
March   i,   1863— killed   at  Gettysburg, 
July  3,  1863. 
364 


MUSTER  Rou, — COMPANY  D 


365 


James    H.    Hasten    ist-Sergt. 

Harry  T.    Weaver    Sergeant. , 

Edwin  Muzzey  Sergeant. . 

Martin  Hosley   Sergeant., 

Abraham  C.  Williams   .  .Sergeant., 


John  Hamlin 


Andrew  J.   Deming 


Sergeant. 
,  Sergeant. 


Benjamin    Haskall 

Rosco  A.  Hall  

Augustus  A.  Trask 
Joseph  Turbett  . . . 
Horance  Lafayette 

Charles  H.  Martin 


,  Sergeant. 

Sergeant. 

Sergeant. 
.Corporal. 
.  Corporal. 

.Corporal. 


.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864 — served  in 
Engineer  Corps,  under  Brigadier-Gen 
eral  Stone  in  Spanish-American  War. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — absent  at 
muster-out. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Games'  Mills,  June  27,  1862 — trans 
ferred  and  commissioned  ist-Lieuten- 
ant  Company  K,  i?2nd  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers — attached  to  Engineering 
Staff — mustered  out  with  company, 
August  i,  1863. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26, 
1862 — transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran 
— captured  at  Weldon  railroad,  prisoner 
August  19,  1864,  to  March  4,  1865. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— died  at 
Georgetown,  D.  C.,  October  29,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged — 
date  unknown — on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred  to 
ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
jr,  1864 — Veteran. 


366 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Elijah  Akin Corporal.. 

Thos.  K.  Humphreys    ..Musician., 

Charles  Metz   Musician., 

Abbott,  William Private. . 

Barber,  Henry  C Private. . 

Benton,  Charles  M Private.. 

Bordman,  Wallace   Private . . 

Cartwright,  Peter   Private. . 

Chapel,  Adalbert  M Private. . 

Chase,  George   Private. . 

Clacy,  David  H Private. . 


Clark,  William  H. 


.  Private . 


Clough,  Eleazer  A Private. 


Cobb,  Myron  C... 
Collins,  Cordillo.  . 
Coughlin,  Francis, 


.Private. 
.Private. 
.Private. 


. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
September  22,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Mechanicsville, 
June  26,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— died  at  Alex 
andria,  Va.,  June  15,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
March  10,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  August  4,  1861 — discharged 
August  14,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26, 
1862. 

..Mustered  in  July  20,  1861— died  at 
Georgetown,  D.  C.,  October  24,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  August  4,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  20,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862. 

, .  .Mustered  in  September  9,  1861 — captured 
at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — trans 
ferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

, . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864 — recn- 
listed  in  Company  K,  I2th  Pennsylva 
nia  Cavalry,  August  2,  1864 — discharg 
ed  by  General  Order,  June  i,  1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  15, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at  An- 
tietam,  September  17,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — absent  at 
muster-out. 


MUSTER  Roix — COMPANY  D 


367 


Davis,  William  H Private. 

Devirs,    James Private. 


Devoge,  Theophilus Private. . 

Doran,    Briney Private. . 

Dunton,  Stephen  B Private. . 

Ellis,    Matthew    E Private . . 

Ellison,  Horance  W.   .  .  .Private. . 
Fisher,    George Private. . 

Flatt,  Louis  D Private.. 

Freeman,  Francis  H Private. . 

Gannon,  Michael Private. . 

Gates,    George Private. . 

Gates,  Jacob Private. . 

Geer,    Nelson Private. . 


..Mustered  in  May  27,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — wounded  at  Gettys 
burg,  July  2-3,  1863 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  u,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  July  20,  1861 — transferred  to 
iQoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  August  14,  1861 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September 
19,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  August  8,  1861 — deserted, 
February  i,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  October  26,  1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  9,  1861— transferred 
to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  September  n,  1861 — dis 
charged,  June  5,  1863,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Mechanicsville, 
June  26,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  17, 
1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  26,  1861 — transferred 
to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864— Veteran. 

. .  Mustered  in  July  24,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  29, 
1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861— dis 
charged,  March  15,  1863,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Antietam,  Septem 
ber  17,  1862. 


368 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Glazier,  Henry  H Private. 

Gordon,  Abner  M Private. 

Green,  William  H Private. 

Gruay,    Francis Private. 

Halcomb,  Edward Private. 

Hamlin,  John  F Private. 

Hamlin,    Sylvester Private. 

Havens,  John Private. 

Hobert,    Freeland Private . 

Hogarth,    Frederick Private. 

Honicker,    Jacob Private. 

Horrigan,   Edward    Private. 

Humphreys,  Robert  M... Private. 

Jagers,    Peter Private. 


Johnson,  Amos  H Private. 


...Mustered  in  September  u,  1861 — killed 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  September  7,  1861 — died  at 
Falmouth,  Va.,  May  14,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  29,  1861 — discharged 
September  7,  1863,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Fredericksburg, 
December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  K,  October  12,  1861 — 
deserted,  March  10,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Mustered  in  August  23,  1861 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  n, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  September  7,  1861 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan 
uary  9,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  General  Order,  October  20,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  2,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  August  2,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  16, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  February  6,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  March 
6,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  July  31,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  K,  November  I,  1861 
— wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decem 
ber  13,  1862 — transferred  to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  May  6,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured 
near  Richmond,  June  29,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Wilderness,  May  5-7,  1864 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  D 


369 


Junkins,  George  Q Private. 

Keating,  Michael Private. 

Kennedy,  Graham  M. ..  .Private. 
Kincade,  Thomas  H Private. 

King,  John  N Private. 

Kinnear,  Robert  A Private. 

Knopf,   Frederick  L Private. 


Knowlton,  Byron  D Private. 

Lane,  Benjamin Private. 

Langworthy,  F.  W Private . 

Lasscr,   Lawrence Private. 

Lindsey,  John  W Private. 

Lyman,  L.   Bent Private. 

M'Elheany,    John Private . 

McMurray,  John Private. 


. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  August  4,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  October  20, 
1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  9,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
March  9,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August 

30,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  July  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  December 
12,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  August  12,  1861 — wounded 
and  captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June 
26,  1861 — transferred  to  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — captured  at  Weldon  railroad, 
August  19,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  General  Order,  January  17,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
July,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  September  7,  1861 — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  January  17, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  12,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Signal  Corps,  September,  1861. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  June  7,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 

31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

25 


3/o 


HISTORY  of  THE  BUCKTAILS 


McMurtie,   Theodore.  . .  .Private. 

Martz,  William  H Private. 

Millspaugh,  Oscar  F Private. 

Mitchel,   Perry   Private. 

Morrison,  James  R Private. 

Nutting,  Charles  C Private. 

Page,   William' Private. 

Powers,    Patrick Private. 

Quigley,   George    B Private. 

Rose,   John   P Private. 

Runyan,  Henry  H Private. 

Seaman,  Dwight   Private. 

Shawl,   William    H Private. 

Silvernail,    Calvin Private. 

Singleton,  Theodore Private. 

Steward,  James Private. 


...Mustered  in  August  18,  1861 — transfer 
red  to  4ist  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
January  10,  1862 — promoted  to  Adju~ 
tant — transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  October,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
March  9,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  South  Mountain,  Septem 
ber  14,  1862. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  19,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  September  26, 
1863. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  June  10,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  September  ir,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  May  9,  1864 — transferred  to 
igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
3i,  1364- 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  IT,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  I, 
1862. 

..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  TO, 
1864 — absent,  in  hospital,  at  muster 
out. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  K,  October  T2,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted,  Au 
gust  2,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  at 
Darnestown,  Md.,  September  27,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  of 
wounds  received  at  Antietam,  Septem 
ber  17,  1862 — date  unknown. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  D 


Struble,  David Private . 

Trask,    Walter    V Private . 

Van  Arsdale,  William. .  .Private. 
Walker,  James  B Private. 


Wallace,    William Private . 

Wedierman,  Julius Private. 

Whitlock,  Samuel  B Private. 

Whittaker,  Joseph Private . 

Williams,  Frank  M Private. 

Wood,   Sylvester Private. 

York,    Elias Private . 

Young,  John Private. 


. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  5, 
1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at 
Wilderness,  May  6,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862— wounded  at  Second  Bull  Run, 
July  30,  1862 — wounded  at  South 
Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
transferred  from  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  May  21,  1864 — absent  at  mus 
ter-out. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  27, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  July  26,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  10, 
1862. 


. .  Mustered  in  September  7,  1861 — dis 
charged,  December  2,  1862,  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Antietam,  Septem 
ber  17,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  September  n,  1861 — trans 
ferred  to  iQOth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — transferred 
from  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  May  21, 
1864 — absent  at  muster-out. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  4,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  2,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  August  2,  1861 — discharged 
on  account  of  wounds  received  at  New 
Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30,  1862 — 
date  unknown. 


COMPANY    E. 

RECRUITED    AT    WELLSBORO,    TIOGA     COUNTY,    PA. 
Mustered  in  May  31,  1861,  for  three  yeari'  service. 


Alanson   E.   Niles Captain . 


Samuel   A.    Mack Captain. 


Lucius   Truman. 


.ist-Lieut, 


George  A.  Ludlow ist-Lieut, 


William  Taylor. 


.ist-Lieut., 


Jonathan  V.  Morgan. . .  .Sergeant. 


372 


.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— -captured  at 
Mechanics vi lie,  June  26,  1862 — promot 
ed  to  Major,  March  i,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — 
promoted  from  2nd-Lieutenant  to  ist- 
Lieutenant,  March  i,  1863 — promoted 
to  Captain,  June  14,  1863 — wounded  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8-21, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  II,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted  to 
Quartermaster,  March  I,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — cap 
tured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 
— wounded  at  South  Mountain,  Sep 
tember  14,  1862 — wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — pro 
moted  from  Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieuten- 
ant  April  i,  1863 — promoted  to  ist- 
Lieutenant,  June  14,  1863 — discharged 
September  26,  1863 — to  Veteran  Re 
serve  Corps. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — promoted 
from  Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  Sep 
tember  10,  1862 — promoted  to  ist-Lieu- 
tenant,  October  10,  1863— dismissed 
April  28,  1864. 

Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  28,  1862 — wounded 
at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863— mustered 
out  with  company,  June  II,  1864. 


MUSTER  Row, — COMPANY  E 


373 


Lemuel    Pause 

Robert  G.  Christnot, 


Peter  D.  Walbridge Sergeant. 


.Sergeant.... Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— absent  at 
muster-out. 

. Sergeant.... Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— trans 
ferred  to  Company  E,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran—promoted  to  ist-Lieutenant— 
killed  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  17, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 
— wounded  and  captured  at  Bethesda 
Church,  May  30,  1864— transferred  to 
i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 
..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — trans 
ferred  to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

.Sergeant...  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  2, 
1861. 

.Sergeant — Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862 — discharged,  May  22,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  at  Freder- 
icksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

Sergeant ....  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Sergeant.... Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died, 
May  22,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  8, 


Stephenson  A.  Campbell.  Corporal. .  ..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 

Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 


Jacob    W.    Huck Sergeant. 


George   W.    Sears. 


Alfred    Bardwell. 


George   O.    Derby, 


Caleb    Fenton .  . 


374  HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 

Edwin  Roughton Corporal  —  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
transferred  from  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  May  21,  1864 — absent  at  mus 
ter-out. 

Wallace  M.  Moore Corporal  —  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  May  8,  1864 — transferred  to 
ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — wounded  at  Wei- 
don  railroad  August  19,  1864. 

James  A.  Christnot Corporal...  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — transferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

John  C.  Potts Corporal Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — transferred  to 

igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Robert  Kelsey Corporal...  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Janu 
ary  26,  1863. 

Walton  Williamson Musician...  .Mustered  in  February  I,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  lyoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

Allen,  Edwin  R Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 

Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862— 
absent,  in  hospital,  at  muster-out. 

Anderson,  Thomas  L.  •• -Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — died  at 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  26, 
1862. 

Bacon,  Daniel Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  21,  1861. 

Bacon,  Morgan  L Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  13,  1861. 

Bassett,  John  J Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — transferred  to 

i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 


MUSTER  Rouu — COMPANY  E 


375 


Blackwell,  William Private. 


Boatman,  William  S Private. 


Borden,  Orasmus  P Private 


Bordon,    Bela Private 


Burrell,    Wesley Private. 

Campbell,  Samuel  W. ..  .Private. 

Campbell,  Washington.  ..Private. 


Carney,  Simon  S Private. 


Catlin,   Lorenzo Private. 


Chaplain,  George  W.   ...Private. 


...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  April  9,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  January  4,  1863. 

. .  .  Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  August  23,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sep 
tember  i,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  i86r — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — cap 
tured  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  January  22,  1862 — transfer 
red  to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps— 
transferred  from  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  May  21,  1864 — absent  at  mus 
ter-out. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May 
10,  1864— Veteran. 


376 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 


Cleveland,  Martin  V.    ..Private. 

Cole,  Jacob Private. 

Cook,    George Private . , 

Corbin,    Daniel Private . . 

Crossett,   Martin Private . . 

Davis,  Daniel  G Private. . 

Decker,  Isaac Private. . 

Dewey,  Barzillia  K Private. . 


Eicholtz,  Julius  A Private. 


English,    John Private. 


English,  William  W Private. 


Graves,    Caleb Private . 


. . .  Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  October  27, 
1862 — re-enlisted  in  Company  M,  i$th 
New  York  (Engineers) — discharged 
June  13,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  March  18,  1862 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November 
3,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — killed  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — discharged 
April  25,  1864,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  in  action. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  30,  1862, 
on  account  of  wounds  received. 

...Mustered  in  March  18,  1862 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  24, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  October  14, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Wilderness,  May  8,  1864 — 
transferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — cap 
tured  at  Weldon  railroad,  August  19, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  2, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  1 1, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  F,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers — date  unknown — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  15,  1862. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  E 


377 


Grow,  Horace  H Private. 


Happy,    Lewis.  . . 
Hoadley,    Charles, 

Hogan,    Richard.  . 
Horn,  John  C 


Horton,  Melvin  R. 
Huck,  George.... 
Huck,  Samuel 


.Private. 
.Private. 

.Private. 
.Private. 

.Private. 
.Private. 
.Private. 


Jackson,   Henry Private . . 

Johnson,   Alonzo Private. . 

Kimball,  Charles  T Private. . 

Kimball,  Chester  F Private. . 


...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — to  Vet 
eran  Reserve  Corps — transferred  from 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  May  21,  1864 
— absent  at  muster-out. 

...Mustered  in  September  13,  1861— dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April 
16,  1862. 

..  .Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed 
at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — died  at 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  May  12,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  25, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — deserted 
July,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — missing  in 
action  at  Wilderness,  May  5,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862 — captured  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— transferred  to  lyoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  23, 
1861. 

, .. Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864. 


378 


HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 


Kinney,    George    A Private. . 


Kriner,  Andrew  J Private . 


Kriner,  George  W Private. 

Kriner,   Henry Private. 


Kriner,  James  C Private. . 


Lampman,  DeWitt  C.   ..Private. 

McCabe,   James Private. 

McCarty,  Henry  H Private. 

McGraff,  Lewis Private. 

Manderville,    Woster. . .  .Private. 

Martin,    Thomas Private. 

Mathews,   John   W Private. 


...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  23, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — wounded  at  Mine  Run,  Novem 
ber  26 — December  2,  1863 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — died  at 
Camp  Pierpont,  November  27,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — died  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  April 
20,  1864. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

..  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate  on  account  of  wounds  received  in 
action — date  unknown. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  November  27, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — died  August 
19,  1861. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — trans 
ferred  to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  n, 
1863 — re-enlisted  as  2nd -Lieutenant  in 
Pennsylvania  Militia. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — deserted, 
July,  1861. 


MUSTER  ROI.IV — COMPANY  E 


379 


Meiner,    Philip Private. 

Metzgar,  Amos  C Private. 

Morgan,  William  M Private. 

Morrison,    William Private. 

Mosier,    Parish Private. 

Nott,   Stephen Private. 

Ogden,  Joseph  R Private. 

Olmstead,    James Private. 

Osborn,   Edward Private. 

Patterson,  James  M Private. 

Pitts,  William  L Private. 

Potter,  Benjamin  B.    ...Private. 
Ramsey,   Joseph   E Private. 


.Mustered  in  June  9,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  February  21,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  February  23,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died 
February  2,  1864,  in  Libby  Prison,  of 
wounds  received  at  Fredericksburg, 
December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  looth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  26,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  27, 
1861. 

Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  13, 
1863. 

Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — wounded 
at  Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — 
captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  April  18,  1863. 

Mustered  in  June  3,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  February  23,  1862. 

Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — transferred  to 
i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — cap 
tured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  35th  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  April  22,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  October  22, 
1862. 


380  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

Readington,  John Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 

to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

Roice,  Edwin Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  21,  1861. 

Roice,  Ethial  H Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  16,  1861. 

Robert,  Frederick Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2- 
3,  1863— transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran. 

Roland,  Henry  C Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Rote,  Henry  I Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  and 

captured  r.t  New  Market  Cross  Roads, 
June  30,  1862 — killed  at  Fredericks- 
burg,  December  13,  1862. 

Rothweiler,  Peter Private Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died 
December  25,  1862,  of  wounds  received 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

Satterly,  Samuel  D Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  February  19, 
1863. 

Shuler,    Abisah Private Mustered    in    May    31,     1861— died    at 

Washington,  D.  C.,  December  29,  1862. 

Simmons,   Albert   D Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 

to  Company  E,  iQOth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
captured  at  Weld  on  railroad,  prisoner 
from  August  19,  1864,  to  March  I,  1865 
— discharged  by  General  Order,  June 
12,  1865. 

Smidley,   William Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  date  unknown. 

Smith,  Thomas  R Private Mustered    in    August    7,    1861— died   at 

Darnestown,  Md.,  August  31,  1861. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  E 


381 


Snyder,    Jacob Private . 


Spanogle,  Peter  B. 


Spicer,  Asbury  F. . 
Starkweather,  Joel, 
Stone,  Eugene  H. . , 


.Private. 

.Private. 
.Private. 
Private. 


Stone,  Orrin  B Private 


Stull,  Robert Private. 

Sweet,  Charles  H Private . 

Sweet,  Gustavus  A Private. 

Torpey,  Aaron  B Private. 

Vallance,   Charles Private . 


..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — transferred  to  igoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran. 

..Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  15, 
1863. 

.  Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — deserted 
May  28,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — killed  near 
Wilderness,  May  13,  1864 — Veteran. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  March  18,  1862 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  H,  ipoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
discharged  March  22,  1865 — expiration 
of  term. 

•  Mustered   in   August   7,    1861 — captured 

at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August 
30,  1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  cer 
tificate,  February  25,  1863. 

•  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed 
at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862. 

•  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  October  6,  1862. 

•  Mustered  in   May  31,   1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  22, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  6, 
1862. 


382 


HISTORY  of  THE;  BUCKTAILS 


Varner,    Henry Private 


Vogan,  John  L Private 


Walters,  Andrew  J Private 


Walters,  William  H Private. 


Warner,  Abel  S Private. 


Warriner,   James   N.    ...Private, 


Waterman,  Edwin  S Private 


Weeks,  Hiram Private, 


Weidley,  John  H Private 


West,  James  M Private 


West,    Philetus    A Private. 


..Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  16, 
1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — transferred 
to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  iQOth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — captured  at  Weldon  railroad, 
prisoner  from  August  19,  1864,  to 
March  2,  1865 — discharged  by  General 
Order,  June  1,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  5, 
1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  23, 
1861. 

. .  Veteran  of  the  Mexican  War — Mustered 
in  May  31,  1861 — wounded  at  South 
Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — absent, 
sick,  at  muster  out. 

..Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  A,  I90th  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864— Veteran- 
prisoner  from  May  30  to  December  6, 
1864 — discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  29,  1865. 

.  .Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — transferred  to 
i9Oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  I90th  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  E  383 

Whitmore,  Cyrus Private Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died  at 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  July  30,  1862. 

Wilcox,  Edwin  Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date 
unknown. 


COMPANY    F. 

RECRUITED     IN     CARBON     COUNTY,     PA. 
Mustered  in  May  29,  1861,  for  three  years'  service.1 


Dennis   McGee. 
John  A.  Wolfe. 


Hugh   Mulligan.. 
Henry  D.   Patton. 
Ernest  Wright. .. 


Charles    Bitterling. 


.Captain Mustered   in   May  29,    1861— discharged 

May  4,  1863. 

.Captain Mustered  in  May  29,   1861— transferred 

and  promoted  from  2nd-Lieutenant, 
Company  G,  to  ist-Lieutenant,  Febru 
ary  i,  1863 — promoted  to  Captain,  May 
4,  1863 — promoted  to  Major  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  June  6,  1864 
— wounded  at  Petersburg,  June  17,  1864 
— mustered  out  with  regiment,  June 
28,  1865. 

. ist-Lieut..  .  .Mustered   in    May   29,    1861 — resigned — 
date  unknown. 

ist-Lieut Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — promoted 

to  Quartermaster — date  unknown. 

.ist-Lieut Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted  to 

2nd-Lieutenant,  September  14,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — promoted  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
July  i,  1863 — promoted  to  Adjutant, 
i^oth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  June  6, 
1864 — breve  tied  Captain,  April  i,  1865 
— mustered  out  with  regiment,  June  28, 
1865. 

.2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered    in    May    29,    1861 — killed    at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 


1  The  dates,  on  which  several  of  the  men  in  this  company  were  mustered 
in  are  not  known  with  certainty.    They  are  therefore  not  given. 
3«4 


MUSTER  RoUv — COMPANY  F 


385 


Daniel    Blett.  .  ..2nd-Lieut. 


William  H.   Rauch, 
William   Rehrig.  . .  . 

John    Sweeney 

Conrad   Vogel 

Henry   E.    Swartz.. 


.  .ist-Sergt. 
.Sergeant. 
.  Sergeant. . 
.  Sergeant. . 
.Corporal. 


Joseph    Eyerley Corporal 


George  W.   Lienell. 


William   Marshall 


George  H.  Mclntosh 

Joseph   Shelly 

Andrew  Quinn 

Henry    Zundel 

Armbruster,  Fidel 


.Corporal 
.  Corporal. 

.Corporal. 
.Corporal. 
.Musician. 
.Musician. 
.Private. . 


..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 
from  ist-Sergeant,  Company  K,  to 
2nd-Lieutenant,  July  i,  1863 — wounded 
Spottsylvania  Court  House  May  8-21, 
1864 — to  2nd-Lieutenant,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers — died  June  20, 
1864,  from  wounds  received  near 
Petersburg,  June  17,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  27,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.  Mustered  in  July  8,  1861 — killed  in  ac 
tion — date  unknown. 

•  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  in  ac 
tion — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862— dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sep 
tember,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864 — re-enlist 
ed  in  2ioth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers — 
captured  at  Petersburg,  March  29,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
absent  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
— date  unknown — on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Second  Bull  Run, 
August  30,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  Special  Order — date  unknown. 

.Killed  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June 
30,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted  to 

Principal   Musician,   September,   1863. 
.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

26 


386 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Beckwith,  Nathaniel  F... Private. 
Beer,  Philip Private . 

Bierlingmeyer,  George. .  .Private. 

Bohn,  Lawrence  O Private. 

Bott,    George Private. 

Boyle,    Patrick Private. 

Brannon,    John Private . 

Brisbin,   Dennis Private. 

Bryant,  Thomas  O Private. 

Buchanan,  Andrew  L. ..  .Private. 

Buchanan,  Julius  C Private. 

Caden,   John Private . 

Carnahan,  Andrew Private. 

Carr,    Patrick Private . 

Carroll,    John Private. 

Chadwick,  Everill  V Private. 

Connell,    Thomas Private 

Connohan,    John Private 


.Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

.  Wounded — date  unknown — wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  December  18,  1861 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

.Mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

.Wounded  at  Dranesville,  December  20, 
1861 — transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.Died — date  unknown. 

.Wounded  and  captured  at  Mechanicsville 
June  26,  1862 — died — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — discharg 
ed — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

.Mustered    in    May   29,    1861 — deserted — 

date  unknown. 

Transferred   to    Veteran   Reserve   Corps 
— date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  December  31,  1861 — wound 
ed  at  New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June 
30,  1862 — wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July 
2-3,  1863 — discharged  on  Surgeon's 
certificate,  December  31,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
June  22,  1861. 

.Died  of  wounds  received  at  Fredericks- 
burg,  December  13,  1862. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  F 


387 


Curtis,  William Private. 

Davis,  Richard  H Private. 

Deahn,   John Private . 

Dennison,   Eber Private. 

Dougherty,   James Private. 

Dougherty,   Michael Private. 

Dugan,   John Private. 

Ehman,  Frederick Private. 

Eickhoff,  Ferdinand Private. 

Eickhoff,  George Private. 

Fell,  Stephen  H Private. 

Fenstermacher,  John. . .  .Private. 

Gakle,   Andrew Private . 

Gangover,    Charles Private. 

Grisshaber,    Anthony. . . . Private. 

Haley,   John Private . 

Hamlin,    Patrick Private. 


.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  Special  Order — date  unknown. 

.  .Mustered  in  December  18,  1861 — cap 
tured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

..Mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded — 
date  unknown — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  Special  Order — date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded 
and  captured  at  Savage  Station,  June 
27,  1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  cer 
tificate,  June  25,  1863,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  Special  Order — date  unknown. 

...  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864, 

..Mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 


388 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Hawk,    Lynford Private. 


Heck,  Isaac  M 

Henry,  William  O. 
Hcnsh,  Michael. .. 


Herman,   Albert    . . . 

Hettinger,  William. 
Higgins,  Edward  L. 


.Private. 
Private. 
Private. 

Private. 

Private. 
.Private. 


Hills,  John   C Private.. 

Hineline,  Thomas Privat >• .  . 

Hollenbach,    John Private .  . 

Hollenbach,  Samuel Private. . 

Hooker,  John  M Private.. 

Hyatt,  Charles Private. . 

Janker,   Theodore Private . . 

Jerman,    David Private. . 


. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864 — re-enlist 
ed  in  Company  F,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers — captured  at  Weldon  rail 
road — discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  16,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  out  with  company,  June  11, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

. .  .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
New  Market  Cross  Roads,  June  30, 
1862 — captured  at  Malvern  Hill — date 
unknown — wounded  at  Wilderness, 
May  5-7,  1864 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  n,  1864. 

...Wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — transferred  to  Veteran  Re 
serve  Corps. 

. .  .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

...Mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

. .  .  Wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  IT, 
1864. 

...Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

. .  .Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  F 


389 


Johler,  John Private . 

Kaiser,  William Private . 

Kennedy,    Patrick Private . 

King,    Martin Private. 

Kinsor,  John  W Private . 

Long,    Patrick Private. 


Lucore,  Stephen  J Private. 

McCafferty,    John Private. 

McCultough,   Francis ....  Private . 

McElroy,    John Private. 

McShehan,    Patrick Private. 

Maloy,    Barney Private. 

Mangold,   Peter Private. 

Matthews,    James Private . 

Melvin,  John  S Private. 

Meyers,  John Private. 


.Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  date 
unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  account  of  wounds  received  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
— date  unknown. 

.Mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.  Wounded  and  captured  at  Mechanicsville 
June  26,  1862 — wounded  at  Fredericks- 
burg,  December  13,  1862— mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  December  13,  1861 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Jan 
uary  23,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

.Mustered  out  with  company,  June  11, 
1864. 

.  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

.  Captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 
— deserted — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

Died  of  wounds  received  at  South  Moun 
tain,  September  14,  1862. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

Mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 


390 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Middler,  Charles Private, 


Miller,    Ernest Private . 


Munson,    Henry Private. 

Osman,    John Private. 

Oviatt,  John  W Private. 

Pike,  Alphonso  A Private. 

Ramaly,    Lewis Private. 

Rehr,  William  F Private. 

Reynolds,   John Private . 

Rhoades,   Moses    Private . 

Robbins,  William  D Private. 

Schofield,  Courtland Private. 

Scott,  Thomas  V Private. 

Seelinger,    Frank Private. 

Shannon,    Philip Private. 

Sheiry,  Stephen Private. 

Shirmer,  William Private. 


...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
May  31,  1862 — account  of  wounds  re 
ceived  at  Dranesville,  December  20, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

...Mustered  in  December  18,  1861— mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..  .Captured  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 
—mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

...Killed  at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862. 

...Mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted- 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863— mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  June  4,  1861— transferred 
from  Company  B — date  unknown — de 
serted. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— deserted- 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— died— date 
unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps— date  un 
known. 

. . .  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date  un 
known. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— -died — 
date  unknown. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  F 


Shlaffly,  Christian Private. 

Smith,   Williston Private. 

Snulty,   Charles Private . 

Sullivan,    Daniel Private. 


Sutter,   Frederick Private. . 


Trout,  Charles Private. 

Vogel,  John Private. 

Ward,   James Private. 

Waters,  Peter Private. 

Whalin,  Michael Private. 

Wertz,  Aaron  Private. 

Yohler,    John Private , 

Zundel,   George Private. 


...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

...Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  December  18,  1861 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  account  of  wounds  re 
ceived  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  account  of  wounds  received  at  Sec 
ond  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862. 

...Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at  Get 
tysburg,  July  2-3,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter  roll. 

. .  .Mustered  in  December  18,  1861 — desert 
ed — date  unknown. 


COMPANY    G. 

RECRUITED    IN    ELK    AND    TIOGA    COUNTIES,    PA. 
Mustered  in  May  29,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Hugh  McDonald   Captain Veteran  of  the  Mexican  War — mustered 

in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at  Gettys 
burg,  July  2,  1863 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864 — brevetted 
Major,  March  13,  1865. 

Jesse  B.  Doan   ist-Lieut. .  .Mustered    in    May    29,     1861 — resigned. 

January  n,  1862. 

Thomas  B.  Winslow   ...  ist-Lieut.. .  .Mustered    in    May    29,    1861 — promoted 

from  Private  to  ist-Lieutenant,  Janu 
ary  n,  1862 — wounded  at  Harrison- 
burg,  June  6,  1862 — captured  at  Cat- 
lett's  Station,  August  22,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  ii,  1864. 


Andrew   J.    Sparks 
John  A.  Wolfe  .  .. 


John  C.  Luther 


Seth  Keys 
392 


.2nd-Lieut. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — resigned, 
April  21,  1862. 

.2nd-Lieut..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted 
from  Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieutenant, 
April  23,  1862 — promoted  to  ist-Lieu- 
tenant,  Company  F,  February  I,  1863. 

.2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
promoted  from  Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieu- 
tenant,  March  n,  1863 — captured  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864 — dis 
charged  March  12,  1865. 

Sergeant. .  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 


MUSTSR  ROLL — COMPANY  G 


393 


James  B.  Thompson  ....  Sergeant. 


James    McCoy    Sergeant. 


Charles   G.    Shearer    ....  Sergeant. 


Richard  E.  Looker 


Sergeant. 


John   C.   Cole    .... 

Dennis  Fuller  .  . . 
Charles  B.  Wright 
Norman  C.  Bundy 


.  .Sergeant., 

. .  Sergeant. . 
. .  Sergeant. . 
.  .  Sergeant. . 


..Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — captured  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864 — 
transferred  to  Company  I,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — promoted  to  ist-Lieutenant 
Company  F,  June  6,  1864 — promoted 
to  Captain,  March  I,  i865—brevetted 
Major,  March  13,  1865 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  ist-Lieuten- 
ant — commissioned  Captain,  September 
19,  1864 — not  mustered — captured — 
— discharged  by  Special  Order,  May 
15,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  looth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  ist-Sergeant — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862— captured 
at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  May  n,  1864 — transferred  to 
Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864— Veteran—ab 
sent,  wounded,  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  July  2,  1861— died  June  n, 
1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Harrison- 
burg,  June  6,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  August  2,  1861— killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— deserted 
October  11,  1861. 

•  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— deserted,  Au 
gust  8,  1861— returned  May  8,  1865— 
discharged  May  12,  1865. 


394 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Arnold  B.  Lucore  Corporal. 


Thomas  J.  Stephenson  .  .Corporal. 


Elijah  S.  Brookins  Corporal. 


John   McNeil    Corporal. . 

Samuel  S.  Coldwell   ....Corporal.. 

John  H.  Evans    Corporal. . 

John    Looney    Corporal. . 

John   C.    Wray    Corporal. . 

Ryan,  Thomas  H Corporal.. 

Joseph  Welsh   Musician. 

Arts,  John  P Private . . , 


.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

.  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

.  Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
wounded  near  Petersburg,  June  17, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company. 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
died — date  unknown — of  wounds  re 
ceived  in  action. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
— date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  at  Har- 
risburg,  July  i,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
killed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — died  at  Har- 
risburg — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  1863 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June 
n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  11,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — missing  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864— 
transferred  to  Company  G,  looth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31, 
1864 — died  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion,  June  26,  1864 — Veteran. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  G 


395 


Bailey,  Harrison  C Private. 


Barr,  Wesley  W. 
Bateman,    Levi    . 


Benson,  Simon  B.  . 
Bigham,  Lafayette 

Bundy,  Clinton  A. 


Private.  .. 
Private..  . 

Private. .  . 
Private . .  . 

.Private. . 


Burnet,  Napoleon   Private. 

Carl,  Andrew  Private. 

Carpenter,   Alvin   C.    ...Private. 

Cassiday,  James    Private. 

Chase,  William  H.  ,      ..Private. 


Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged — 
July  21,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — killed 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  9, 
1864. 

.  Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  igoih  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  5,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  10, 
1864 — transferred  to  Company  G,  ipoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  JJ, 
1864 — Veteran — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

.  Mustered  in  February  10,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  iQOth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
wounded — absent  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — cap 
tured — died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  Octo 
ber  29,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July,  1861. 

•  Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — died  March 
7,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  A,  September  I,  1861 — 
discharged — date  unknown — on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  at  Catlett's 
Station,  August  22,  1862. 


396 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Ciine,    Marcus    Private, 


Coleman,  Charles  K.   ...Private. 
Cordes,  Frederick  G.   ...Private. 

Cummings,  James  C.  ...Private. 

Dailey,  John  F Private. 

Daniels,  William  Private. 

Davis,   Abraham   S Private. 

Davis,  Orlando  P Private. 

DeBeck,  Allen  C.  .       ..Private. 


DeBeck,  George  C Private. 


Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31, 
1864 — Veteran — wounded  near  Peters 
burg,  April  6,  1865 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  Sep 
tember  23,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Wilderness,  May  7,  1864 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  n,  1862. 
Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died,  July  3, 
1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Gettys 
burg,  July  2,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — captured  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864— 
transferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers — Veteran — 
prisoner  from  May  30  to  December  13, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862— wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — wounded 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  13, 
1864 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 


MUSTEK  ROLI, — COMPANY  G 


397 


Doan,  Edward  Private. 

Elder,  James  H Private. 

English,  George  W Private. 

Farley,  Joseph   Private. 


Fuller,    Benjamin    Private. 

Furlong,  Thomas    Private. 

Garrison,  Justus  J Private. 

Garrison,  Tartulas  J.   ...Private. 
Graham,  Andrew  J Private. 


Graham,  James  A Private. 

Gross,  James    Private. 

Gross,  Thomas   A Private. 

Henderson,  David  M.   .  .Private. 
•  TofTman,  Joseph  N Private. 


.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
June,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
— date  unknown — on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  South  Mountain, 
September  14,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  18, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  G,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — died  Febru 
ary  n,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — mus 
tered  out  May  28,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  28, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company  June  II,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862— 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
December  10,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
August  4,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — transferred 
to  6th  United  States  Cavalry.  October 
28,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
by  sentence  of  General  Court  Martial, 
February  16,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
killed  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House, 
May  12,  1864. 


398 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 


Hollingshead,  James  A.. Private. 

Hollis,  James   H Private. 

Holly,  Alanson    Private. 

Holly,    Floyd    Private. 

Imes,  John    Private. 

Ireland,   Benjamin    Private. 

Johnston,  Thomas  B.    ..Private. 

Kearns,   Albert    Private. 

Keller,   Reuben    Private. 

Kelly,    Martin    Private . 

Knecht,  William   Private. 

Leeman,  John  A Private . 


.Mustered  in  February  10,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  ipoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  22,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — died  Febru 
ary  15,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

.Mustered  in  July  4,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
— died — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
— date  unknown — on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Harrisonburg, 
June  6,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
absent,  on  furlough,  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  ipoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet- 
eran — absent,  on  furlough,  at  muster 
out. 

.  Mustered  in  July  26,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862— dis 
charged — date  unknown — on  account 
of  wounds  received  in  action. 


MUSTEK  ROLL — COMPANY  G 


399 


Leeman,  John  W Private. 


Lenish,   Reuben   W Private, 


Lewis,  Lewis 
Lukens,   Charles    , 
McCoy,   Michael 
McDonald,  James 

Mahlen,   Allen    .  . 


. .  .Private. 

. .  .Private. 

. .  .Private. 

. .  Private, 


.  .Private. 


Marginson,    Cyrus    Private. 

Miller,  John  W Private. 

Montgomery,  Thos.  T..  .Private. 

Nolin,    Daniel    Private. 

Norwood,  George  R.   ...Private. 

Padget,  Rufus    Private. 

Price,  George  H Private, 

Quay,    Marshall    Private, 


. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June 
11,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  2, 
1861. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  22,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
by  re-eniistment. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  I, 
1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — discharged 
May  24,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — killed  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — died 
of  wounds  received  in  action,  June  I, 
1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  4, 
1862. 

. .  ..Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— committed 
suicide,  May  3,  1862. 

...Mustered    in    May   29,    1861 — deserted — 

date  unknown. 
. . .  Mustered    in    May    29,    1861 — deserted, 

June,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  June  8,  1861 — transferred 
to  6th  United  States  Cavalry,  October 
28,  1862. 

...  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 


40O 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 


Rawley,  James  Private. 


Reinhart,    John    Private 


Reinwald,  Augustus   ....Private. 


Robbins,  Cyrus    Private. 


Robinson,   Francis  H.    ..Private. 

Sawyer,  Edward  D Private. 

Scott,    George    W Private. 

Shaffer,    George    Private . 

Sharrer,  Robert  L Private. 

Shiley,  John   Private. 

Showers,    John    Private. 


.Mustered  in  June  27,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  G,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— discharged  July  27,  1864 — expiration 
of  term. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862— discharg 
ed  August  21,  1862,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
March  21,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  South  Mountain,  Septem 
ber  14,  1862. 

•  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863—  trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  November  I,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  iqoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — died 
March  21,  1865. 

Mustered  in  July  27,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  4, 
1861. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March  10, 
1864. 

Mustered  in  February  I,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July,  1863. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
August  i,  1861. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  G 


401 


Simers,  Andrew  J. 


.Private. 


Sparks,  Benjamin  Private. . 

Spencer,  John  A Private.. 

Stark,  Watson  L Private.  . 

Stephens,  Elhannan   Private. . 


Stewart,  Jackson  Private 


Struble,  John  W. 


Private. 


Sullivan,  Jeremiah 
Sylin,  Willard  ... 
Tilson,  Ezra  P.  . 


.Private. 
.Private. 
Private. , 


Tubbs,  Nathan  H.         ..Private. 


..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  G,  tooth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  28,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  14, 
1861. 

..Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  30, 
1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  G,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — died  at  Washington,  D. 
C.,  April  10,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 — dis 
charged  January  30,  1863,  on  account 
of  wounds  received  in  action. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  G,  looth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  Corporal, 
April  i,  1865— mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  28,  1865. 

.  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died,  October 
26,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
died  July  n,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate— date  un 
known. 


402 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Varner,  Jesse  D Private. 


Wanzel,    Christian    Private. 


Warner,   William    Private. 

Warner,  William  D.   ...Private. 
Warton,  James  W Private . 

Watkins,  William  D.    ..Private. 

Wenrick,  John  Private . 

Whitehead,  Joel  H Private. 

Willey,  Lawrence   Private. 

Winslow,  R.  C Private. 

Woodruff,  Hiram  Private. 


..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  and  captured  at  Bethesda 
Church,  May  30,  1864— transferred  to 
Company  G,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers — Veteran — prisoner  from  May 
30  to  December  n,  1864 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — absent,  on 
detached  duty,  at  muster  out 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted, 
June  29,  1863. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — killed  by  ac 
cident  at  Alexandria,  November  I, 
1862. 

..Mustered  in  July  27,  1861— killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — absent,  on 
detached  duty,  at  muster  out. 

. .  Mustered  in  December  i,  1863 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  G,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — de 
serted,  February  20,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — not  on  mus 
ter-out  roll. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— killed  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 


COMPANY    H. 

RECRUITED     AT     KENNETT    SQUARE,    CHESTER    COUNTY,    PA. 
Muttered  in  May  28,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Charles  F.  Taylor  Captain. . . 


John  D.  Yerkes  Captain.. . 


Chandler  Hall ist-Lieut.. 


Thomas  J.  Roney  ist-Lieut. 


Evan  P.  Dixon   .... 
Joel  J.  Swayne 


.2nd-Lieut. 
.2nd-Lieut. 


Robert   Maxwell    2nd-Lieut. 

W.  Sylvester  Guthrie.  ..ist-Sergt. 
Allen  S.  Goodwin   ist-Sergt.. 


..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— captured  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— commissioned  Colonel,  March  i,  1863. 

.  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — promoted 
from  Sergeant  to  ist-Lieutenant  1861 
—promoted  to  Captain  1863— wound 
ed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863— dis 
charged  July  n,  1864— brevetted  Ma 
jor,  March  13,  1865. 

•  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861—  promoted  to 

Captain  and  Acting  Quartermaster, 
United  States  Volunteers,  August  3, 
1861. 

•  Mustered    in    May    28,    1861— promoted 

from  Sergeant  to  ist-Lieutenant,  1863 
— wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  1863 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June 
ii,  1864. 

•  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— resigned,  No 

vember  3,  1861. 

•  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— died  at  Har- 

risburg  of  wounds  received  at  Harri 
sonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

•  Mustered    in    May    28,    1861 — promoted 

from  Sergeant  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  1863 
— died  of  wounds  received  at  Wilder 
ness  May  8,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  11,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

403 


404 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Richard  Beeby  . . . 
Jacob  W.  Pierce  . 


.  ist-Sergt. , 
.ist-Sergt., 


James  Dixon  West    ....  Sergeant. 


Alfred   Best    Corporal. , 


Alfred   Bahel    

Hutton   Williams    . 
Edwin  A.   Howell 


John  J.  Donahoe 


Phineas  Malin 


Joseph  P.  Young  . . 


.Corporal. 
.Corporal.. 
.Corporal.. 

.  Corporal. . 
.  Corporal. . 
,  Corporal. . 


Edwin   Baker   Corporal. . 


.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  20, 
1861. 

.Mustered  in  August  16,  1861 — wounded 
at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  Corporal — date  unknown — 
promoted  to  Sergeant — date  unknown 
— transferred  to  Company  H,  looth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  ist-Lieuten- 
ant — captured  at  Weldon  railroad,  Au 
gust  19,  1864 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  28,  1865. 

•  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 

Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

•  Mustered    in    May    28,    1861 — mustered 

out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
•Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

•  Mustered   in   May  28,    1861 — discharged 

August  25,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

•  Mustered   in    May  28,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  12, 
1862. 

•  Mustered   in   May  28,   1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  8, 
1863. 

•  Mustered  in  July  22,   1861 — transferred 

to  Company  H,  looth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged 
July  22,  1864 — expiration  of  term. 
•Mustered  in  July  22,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decembet 
13,  1862 — transferred  to  Company  H, 
looth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — discharged  July  22,  1864 — ex 
piration  of  term. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  H 


405 


Aaron   Baker    Corporal. . 


Richard  Watson 
Alcott,  David  . . . 
Archer,  Lea  T.  . . 


.Musician, 
.  Private. . , 
Private. . 


Bahel,  Thomas 
Bahel,  William 
Baker,  Evan  H. 


Private. 
Private. 
Private. 


Baker,  William 
Barben,  Joel  M. 


Private. 
Private. 


Best,  Andrew  A. 


Private. 


.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  186* 
— wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decem 
ber  13,  1862 — killed  at  Spottsylvania 
Court  House,  May  12,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  2,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  Corporal,  June  13,  1865 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

.Mustered  in  August  6,  1862 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  29,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  August  9,  1862 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— transferred  to  Company  H,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
June  24,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  August  15,  1862 — promoted 
to  Sergeant-Major,  July  29,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  August  3,  1862— transferred 
to  Company  H,  lyoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — prisoner 
from  August  19,  1864,  to  March  2, 1865 
— discharged  by  General  Order,  June 
6,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  August  6,  1862 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Wilderness,  May  5-7,  1864 
— transferred  to  Company  H,  i$oth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  January  25,  1865, 


406 

Best,  Thomas  F. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Private. 


Billis,  James   C Private. 


Birtsell,    Edward    Private. 


Bockius,  Charles   Private. 


Boozer,  Charles Private, 


Brecht,   Jonathan 
Briggs,   William 


.Private. 
.Private. 


Brink,  John  B Private. 


Brink,   Taylor    Private, 


Mustered  in  August  6,  1862 — wounded 
date  unknown — transferred  to  Com 
pany  H,  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged  by 
General  Order  June  2,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  K,  November  I,  1861 — 
captured  at  Bethesda  Church,  May  30, 
1864 — transferred  to  Company  H,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  Corporal — captured — died 
at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  December  15,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June 
11,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 
— wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  May  8-21,  1864 — transferred  to 
Company  H,  lyoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — dis 
charged  February  i,  1865 — for  wounds 
received  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861—  mustered 
out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date  un 
known. 

.Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — wounded 
at  Dranesville,  December  20,  1861— 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  cer 
tificate,  April  20,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — died  at 
Alexandria,  Va.,  March  16,  1864. 


MUSTER  ROI.IV — COMPANY  H 


407 


Brown,  George  W Private. 

Burrell,  Wesley  Private. 

Butler,   James    Private. 

Carter,  Harlin  H Private. 

Cessna,    Martin    Private. 

Chadwick,   John    Private. 

Chad  wick,  Jos.  P Private. 


Chambers,  Pusey  E.   . .  .Private. 
Chandler,  Thomas   Private. 


Cook,  Adolphus  Private. 


...Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — captured 
at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Decem 
ber  13,  1862 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  II,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 
from  Company  E,  August  23,  1861 — 
discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
April  23,  1863. 

, . .  Mustered   in   August  2,   1862 — killed  at 

Antietam,  September,  1862. 
. .  Mustered  in  March  27,   1862 — wounded 
at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,   1862 — killed 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  22,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
captured  March  15,  1864 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

...Mustered  in  January  14,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  iQOth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  H,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  De 
cember  19,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — wounded 
and  captured  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — absent,  sick,  at  mus 
ter  out. 


408 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Coover,  Andrew    Private. 

Coyle,   James    Private. 


Cramer,  Hiram   Private. 


Cramer,  Jacob   Private, 


Davidson,  Edward   S.    .  .Private, 


Davis,  George  W Private. 

Davis,   Marshall    Private. 

Douglas,    Benjamin    . . .  .Private. 
Drummond,  James   Private. 

Duddy,  William  B Private. 

Durgan,    Thomas    Private. 

Fogg,  Elbridge  B Private. 


Mustered  in  August  5,  1862 — killed  at 

Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  i,  1861 — captured 
at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
captured  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — transferred  to  Company  H, 
igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — discharged  July  21,  1864 — 
expiration  of  term. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — died  July  II, 
1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Gettys 
burg,  July  3,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March 
4,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  August  15,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1862 — prisoner  from 
August  19,  1864,  to  March  8,  1865— 
discharged  by  General  Order,  June  27, 
1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — died  May 
29,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at  Spott- 
sylvania  Court  House,  May  12,  1864, 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  10,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  September  5,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  iqoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — ab 
sent,  wounded,  at  muster  out. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1861. 

. .  .Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  II,  1864, 


MUSTER  Rou, — COMPANY  H 


409 


Foreman,  Maris  H Private. 

Freel,   James    Private . 

Freel,    Lorenzo    D Private. 

Cause,   Lewis   T Private. 

Cause,   William  T Private. 

Gilmore,  Richard  T.    ...Private. 
Glisson,  Alfred    Private. 


Goodwin,   Daniel 


.  .Private. 


Grace,  James    Private 


Greenfield,   Edward    Private. 


Crier,  Robert  W Private. 


..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  United  States  Signal  Corps,  Sep 
tember  17,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  August  16,  1861 — died  at 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  January  25,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  11, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Cattlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  u, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Wilderness,  May  7,  1864 — absent,  in 
Confederate  prison,  at  muster  out. 

..Mustered  in  August  20,  1862 — killed  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  August  6,  1862 — wounded 
at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  iQOth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  June  2, 
1865. 

..Mustered  in  July  22,  1861— wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864— discharged 
July  21,  1864 — expiration  of  term. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — discharg 
ed  April,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  South  Mountain,  Septem 
ber  14,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — killed 
at  Cold  Harbor. 

..Mustered  in  August  5,  1862 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — died  July 
u,  1864. 


4io 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Gross,    Ellis    P Private. 


Gross,  Thomas   P Private. 


Hanson,   Thomas    Private. 

Hardy,    Ross    Private. 

Harrigan,    William    ....Private. 

Hunter,    William    C Private. 

Huss,    Samuel    Private. 

Jackson,  Edward  P.   ...Private. 
Jackson,   John    A Private. 

Jackson,  William  W.    ..Private. 

Jacquette,   Isaac  G Private. 

John,  Lewis  S Private. 


...Mustered  in  August  5,  1862 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  iqoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — accidentally 
killed  at  Weldon  railroad,  Va.,  Decem 
ber  16,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  August  16,  1861 — captured 
at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  H,  ipoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — prisoner  from  August  19, 
1864,  to  April  17,  1865 — discharged  by 
General  Order,  June  9,  1865. 
...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — died  Septem 
ber  15,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — died  July 
30,  1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Get 
tysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

..Mustered  in  May  21,  1861 — promoted  to 
Quartermaster-Sergeant,  August  7, 
1861. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  February 
9,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — deserted, 
June  21,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  12, 
1862 — re-enlisted — wounded. 

..Mustered  in  August  19,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  June  2, 
1865. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Chantilly,  September  I,  1862— dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  Sep 
tember  15,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  26, 
1862. 


MUSTER  ROLI, — COMPANY  H 


411 


King,   William   T Private. 


Land,   Thomas   B Private, 


, Mustered  in  March  n,  1862 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — captured — 
died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  January  9, 
1865 — burial  record  Thomas  King,  Jan 
uary  22,  1865. 

,  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — promoted  to  Cor 
poral — transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps — date  unknown. 

Leedam,  Isaac   Private Mustered  in  August  I,  1861 — captured  at 

South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — 
transferred  to  iQOth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
promoted  to  Corporal,  January  12, 1865 
— discharged  by  General  Order,  June 
21,  1865. 

Lynch,  James  H Private Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 

Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

McClurg,   Alex.   A Private Mustered  in  August  23,  1862 — killed  at 

Fredericksburg,   December  13,   1862. 

McCullough,  Geo.  W.   ..Private Mustered  in  August  7,  1861 — transferred 

to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date  un 
known. 

Maines,  Thomas  B Private Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

Mann,   Persifer  F Private Mustered  in  August  6,  1862 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  2,  1863. 

Milner,  George  D Private Mustered  in  September  6,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — 
transferred  to  Company  H,  ipoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
captured — died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C., 
September  17,  1864. 

Milner,    Robert    Private Mustered   in   July  22,    1862 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  18,  1863. 

Montgomery,   John   H..  .Private Mustered    in    May    28,    1861 — mustered 

out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 


4I2 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Oskins,  John  E Private. 

Oskins,    Robert    Private. 

Page,  George  W Private. . . 

Peirce,  William   Private. . . 

Penhollow,   Charles    ....  Private. . . 
Penhollow,   Henry    Private. . . 

Pennington,  Thos.  L.    ..Private... 

Perry,   Thomas    Private... 

Pettingill,  Robert  B.   ...Private... 


Pratt,    Edward    Private. 

Pusey,  Joshua    Private. 

Rentz,    Frederick    Private. 

Rigdon,  John   Private . 

Rigdon,  William  Private. 

Roman,  Joseph  A Private. 


...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  lyoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  August  20,  1862 — killed  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
July,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds  re 
ceived  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

.  ..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— killed  at  Get 
tysburg,  July  2-3,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
February  28,  1863,  on  account  of 
wounds  received  at  Harrisonburg, 
June  6,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  August  6,   1862 — died   De 
cember  24,  1862,  at  Richmond,  Va.,  of 
wounds    received    at    Fredericksburg, 
December  13,  1862. 
..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  II,  1864. 
..Mustered   in   May  28,    1861 — transferred 
from  Company  K,  October  12,  1861 — 
deserted  July  27,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — deserted  Au 
gust  7,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  August  23,  1862 — discharged 
March  18,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  August  I,  1861 — deserted 
November,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  16,  1861 — wounded 
at  South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 
— discharged  December  20,  1862,  to  ac 
cept  promotion  in  Company  G,  6th 
Maryland  Volunteers. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  H 


Romig,  George  W Private, 


Sherman,  Roger   Private. 

Smith,  George   Private. 

Starr,  Jeremiah  J Private. 

Steigleman,  Henry  C.   ..Private. 
Steigleman,  John  W.  ...Private. 


Stevens,  Henry  C Private. 

Stroble,  Henry  Private. 

Taggart,   Robert    Private. 

Taylor,   Alfred    Private . 


....Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 
— transferred  to  Company  H,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  Corporal — 
promoted  to  Sergeant,  June  13,  1865 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — promoted  to 
Sergeant-Major,  July  20,  1861. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  7, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  Hospital  Steward,  July  29, 
1863. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  November  13,  1861 — cap 
tured  at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22, 
1862 — transferred  to  Company  H,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  to  Corporal — 
promoted  to  Sergeant,  June  13,  1865 — 
prisoner  from  August  19,  1864,  to 
March  2,  1865 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861— transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date  un 
known. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  i,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  tooth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 

.  ..Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  August  7,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 


414 


HISTORY  OF  THS  BUCKTAILS 


Taylor,    Elwood    Private. 

Taylor,  Isaac   Private. 

Taylor,  James    Private. 

Taylor,  John    Private. 

Taylor,   William   Private. 

Temple,  Benjamin  F.    ..Private. 

Urban,  Charles  H.  ,      ..Private. 


Watts,  William   Private. 


Way,  Lindley  E Private. 


West,  Joseph  D Private. 

White,  Henry  C Private. 

Widdoes,  Heli   .  ..Private. 


.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  igoih  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  August  n,  1862 — died  De 
cember,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — missing  at 
Chantilly,  September  5,  1862 — died  at 
Alexandria,  Va.,  June  n,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  August  i,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  2,  1865. 

•  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — deserted  De 

cember,  1 86 1. 

•  Mustered     in     August     I,     1861 — trans 

ferred  to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — prisoner  from  August  19,  1864, 
to  March  2,  1865 — discharged  by  Gen 
eral  Order,  June  9,  1865. 
.Mustered  in  September  3,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  iQoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864 — died  March  18, 
1865. 

•  Mustered  in  August  7,  1862 — transferred 

to  Company  H,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — prisoner 
from  August  19,  1864,  to  March  21, 
1865— discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  9,  1865. 

•  Mustered  in  August  16,  1861 — discharged 

November  21,  1861,  to  accept  promo 
tion. 

.  Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  January  I,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  February  25,  1864 — not  on 
muster-out  roll. 


MUSTER  ROI.IV — COMPANY  H  415 

Williamson,  Francis  . . .  Private Mustered  in  August  12,  1862— transferred 

to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

Wilson,  Samuel  G Private Mustered  in  August  6,  1862— discharged 

March  7,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862. 

Woodward,  Milton  Private Mustered  in  March  II,  1862— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Yunkin,  Edward  Private Mustered  in  September  3,  1862— discharg 
ed  July  i,  1863 — on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862. 


COMPANY    I. 

RECRUITED    IN    MCKEAN     COUNTY,    PA. 
Mustered  in  May  30,   1861,  for  three  years'  service.1 


William    T.    Blanchard.  .Captain. 


Frank   J.    Bell    Captain. 


Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — resigned 
December  I,  1862 — Captain,  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  September  6,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  17,  1862 — pro 
moted  from  ist-Lieutenant  to  Captain, 
March  i,  1863 — wounded  at  Gettys 
burg,  July  2-3,  1863 — discharged  Octo 
ber  19,  1863 — to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
— brevetted  Major. 

R.   Fenton   Ward   ist-Licut Mustered    in    May    30,    1861 — promoted 

from  Hospital  Steward  to  2nd-Lieu- 
tenant,  July  I,  1862 — wounded  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  ist-Lieutenant  March  I,  1863 
— transferred  to  Company  I,  ipoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31, 
1864. 

Bruce   A.    Rice    2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 

Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — died  June 
14,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Crosi 
Keys,  June  8,  1862. 

Richard  A.  Rice   2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — captured  at 

Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
promoted  to  2nd-Lieutenant  May  18, 
1863 — wounded — date  unknown — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  II,  1864. 

1  The  dates  on  which  several  of  the  men  in  this  company  were  mustered  in 
arc  not  known  with  certainty.    They  are  therefore  omitted. 
416 


MUSTER  Row, — COMPANY  I 


Edward  D.   Curtis   . 


William   J.    Kibbe 


A.   Gilman   Foster    . 
Lorenzo  B.  Prosser 

Angelo    M.    Crapscy 

A.  Farnham   

Charles    O.    Bee    . 


.ist-Sergt.., 
.ist-Sergt.., 

.Sergeant. 
.Sergeant.., 

.Sergeant. 
.Sergeant. 
.  Sergeant . 


John  K.  Haffey   Sergeant. 


Ernest   Rice    . . . 
Peter  B.   Porter 


Sergeant. , 
Corporal., 


Henry  L,.  Duel   Corporal.. 


Solomon  S.  King   Corporal. . 


.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863— discharged 
on  account  of  wounds. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died  Septem 
ber  18,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — captured  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — discharged — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  6, 
1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — died  January  14,  1863,  of 
wounds. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  February  22, 
1863. 

.Honorably  discharged — date  unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  I,  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Catlett's  Station,  August 
22,  1862 — transferred  to  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — promoted  to  Sergeant — wounded 
— date  unknown — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

,  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  I,  iqoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — promoted  to  Sergeant — 
wounded  at  North  Anna  River,  Va.t 
May  23,  1864 — absent,  in  hospital,  at 
muster  out. 
28 


4i8 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Wallace  W.  Brewer  . 


Joseph  D.  Barnes 


Henry  J.  Hadley    . . . 
Frederick  C.  Holmes 

Ferdinand    Kilburn 


,  Corporal. , 
Corporal.. 

.Corporal.. 
.Corporal., 

.Musician, 


Alton,  James  T Private. . 


Ames,  Joseph  A Private. . 

Austin,    Charles    M.    ...Private.. 


Austin,  John    Private. . 


Austin,   Joseph    Private. . 


Babcock,  Horace  G. 


Private.. 


Bard,  Leslie  S Private.. 


.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Antietam,  September  17,  1862 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — killed  at 
Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died  June 
14,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Har- 
risonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — discharg 
ed  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  I,  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — pris 
oner  from  August  19,  1864,  to  March 
2,  1865 — discharged  by  General  Order, 
June  21,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  I ,  iqoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran 
— promoted  to  Corporal — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  I,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — cap 
tured — died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  Febru 
ary  20,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862 — 
discharged — date  unknown. 


MUSTER  Rou, — COMPANY  I 


419 


Barnes,  Thomas    Private. . 


Beckwith,   Samuel  R.    ..Private. 


Belknap,  Josiah   B Private.. 

Berts,   Samuel    Private. . 

Blanvelt,  James  O Private . . 

Bloom,  Hero   Private. . 

Both,  Jacob    Private. . 

Bridge,  Wesley  J Private.. 

Briggs,  George  W Private.. 

Brigham,  Dwight  W.    ..Private.. 
Brown,  W.  Wallace Hosp.-St. 


Buchanan,  Andrew  L.  ..Private.. 


Campbell,  George  A.   ...Private. 


..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Gettysburg,  July  3,  1863 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862 — promoted 
to  ist-Sergeant  Company  G,  i$oth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  September 
2,  1862 — commissioned  2nd-Lieutenant, 
June  15,  1865 — not  mustered — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  23,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  lyoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— transferred 
to  Battery  A,  43rd  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers — date  unknown. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

. .  Transferred  to  Company  I,  ipoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  28, 
1865 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  I,  looth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged  by 
General  Order,  June  16,  1865 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date  un 
known. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  16,  1861 — transferred 
from  23rd  New  York  Volunteers,  1861 
— transferred  to  Company  C,  Decem 
ber,  1861. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 


420 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Case,   Dennis    Private . 

Clark,  Charles  L Private. 

Close,   Peter   Private. 

Clyens,   Patrick  H Private. 

Coates,  John  R Private. 

Cobbett,  James   W Private. 

C'olegrove,  Alpha  W Private. 

Cornforth,    Columbus    ..Private. 

Crandall,  Frank  B Private. 

Crossmire,   Derrick  V... Private. 

Crow,  Jacob  Private. 

Gulp,  Cornelius   Private. 

Curtis,  Nelson  M Private. 

Curtis,    William   J Private. 

Dale,  William  L Private. 


. . .  Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — on  detach 
ed  service  at  muster  out. 

...Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

. . .  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — 
date  unknown. 

.  ..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  13, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
and  captured  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — discharged  June  6, 
1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862— 
transferred  to  Company  I,  igoth  Penn 
sylvania,  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 

. . .  Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863— 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  I,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— killed  at  Har 
risonburg,  June  6,  1862. 


MUSTER  ROLL, — COMPANY  I 


421 


Danforth,   L.   Byron    ...Private, 


Demars,   Joseph    Private. . . 

Dickinson,  Chas.  W.   ...Private... 

Edson,  Edwin  W Private. . . 

Ellithorpe,   P.  G Private. . . 

Essington,  John  M Private. .. 

Fanning,  Elisha  P Private. . . 

Farr,  G.  Milton   Private. . . 

Fish,    J.    A Private... 

Freeman,  B.  Hill   Private. . . 

Gould,    Hosea   H Private. . . 

Hamlin,  Samuel  C Private... 

Hammond,  Henry  J,    ..Private... 

Hayter,  Joseph    Private... 

Heiglei,  Albert   Private... 


,  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  ipoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  October  16, 
1861. 

•  Mustered   in   May   30,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died  of 
wounds  received  at  Gettysburg,  July 
2-3,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  D,  34th  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers — promoted  to  Sergeant — dis 
charged  by  order  of  War  Department, 
August  21,  1862. 

•  Mustered   in   May  30,    1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

.Mustered  in  August  13,  1861—  killed  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 

-Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Battery  A,  43rd  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers — date  unknown. 

•  Mustered   out   with   company,    June    n, 

1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

•  Mustered  in  May  30,   1861— wounded— 

discharged — date  unknown. 
-Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— wounded 
at    Harrisonburg,    June    6,    1862 — dis 
charged — date  unknown. 

•  Killed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 

1862. 

•  Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  and 

captured  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862. 


422 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Hoop,  Alfred  T Private. 

Horton,   Samuel   M.    ...Private. 

Howard,  Elijah  N Private. 

Inglesby,    Russell    Private. 

Jewett,    Sheldon    Private. 

Johnson,  James  L Private. 

Keach,   Robert  M Private. 

Keener,  Joseph   Private. 

King,    Frank    Private. 

Knapp,  William  A Private. 

Lafferty,  William  A.   ...Private. 


Lain,  Robert  T Private, 


..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— trans 
ferred  to  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  May  31,  1864— Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — transferred  to  Veteran  Re 
serve  Corps — June  14,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— wounded  at 
Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862— discharg 
ed — date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— wounded 
and  captured  at  Second  Bull  Run,  Au 
gust  30,  1862 — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  II,  1864. 

..Discharged  'on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — died  Au 
gust  25,  1862,  of  wounds  received  in 
action. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— wounded 
and  captured  at  Games'  Mills,  June  27, 
1862 — transferred  to  ipoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran. 

..Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — on  detach 
ed  service  at  muster  out. 

. .  Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — transferred  to  igoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
mustered  out  August  13,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  I 


423 


Landregan,  James    Private. 

Lawrence,  Charles  B.   ..Private. 

Leher,    John    Private . 

Little,  Joseph  Private. 

Losey,  Frederick  C Private. 

Lovell,  P.  C Private. 

Magee,  Henry   Private. 

Mains,  John   R Private. 

Mapes,    Alonzo    Private. 

Mason,   William    Private. 

Maxson,  William  M.    ..Private. 
Melison,  Charles  Private. 

Miles,   Wistar  W Private. 

Moses,  C.  L Private. 

Mulvaney,  Chas Private. 

Mulvaney,   William    Private. 

Newpher,  James   Private. 


.  ..Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

. . .  Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

...Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate- 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  I,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
wounded  at  Five  Forks,  April  I,  1865 
— absent  at  muster  out. 

...Wounded  at  Antietam,  September  17, 
1862 — discharged — date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 
to  Battery  A,  4$rd  Pennsylvania  Vol' 
unteers — date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

...Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

. .  .Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— discharged — date  unknown. 

..  .Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate — date  unknown. 

...Killed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — wounded  at 
Cross  Keys,  June  8,  1862 — discharged 
— date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — deserted — 
date  unknown. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  13, 
1861. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— captured  at 
Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

...Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — died  Octo 
ber  6,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 


424 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAII.S 


Nichols,    Nathaniel    S..  .Private. 
Northrop,  A.  Delos  Private. 


Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died — date 
unknown. 

.Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died  Septem 
ber  17,  1862,  of  wounds  received  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

Page,  William   Private Mustered  in  May  30,   1861 — transferred 

on  detached  service — date  unknown. 

Rice,  Charles  P Private Mustered  in  August  13,   1861 — wounded 

at  Catlett's  Station,  August  22,  1862— 
wounded  at  Antietam,  September  17, 
1862 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1862. 

Richardson,    William    ..Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — wounded 

at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

Rifle,  William  H Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — October  20, 
1862. 

Robbins,  Charles  H Private Wounded  at  Harrisonburg,  June  6,  1862 

—wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3, 
1863 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  u,  1864. 

Seamans,  EH  B Private Mustered  in  May  30,   1861— transferred 

to  Company  A,  June,  1861. 

Sherwood,  Forrest  Private Mustered    in    May    30,    1861— killed    at 

Fredericksburg,  December   13,   1862. 

Simons,  Edgar  S Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— deserted- 
date  unknown. 

Smith,  Anson  P Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— wounded 

— discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate, 
September  16,  1861. 

Smith,  Dennis  T Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— on  detached 

service  at  muster  out. 

Smith,  Frank  T Private Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate- 
date  unknown. 

Snyder,  Wesley  J Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— wounded 

at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  I 


425 


Southwick,  Samuel  G.  ..  Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861— trans 
ferred  to  Company  I,  igoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran 
captured — discharged  by  General  Or 
der,  June  21,  1865. 

Taylor,  George  W Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1 86 1— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Townsend,  A.  D Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— transferred 

to  Battery  A,  43rd  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers — date  unknown. 

Treat,  Benjamin  A Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Turpin,  A.  Jackson  ...Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — deserted — 

date  unknown. 

Vandyne,  Curtis  M.  ...Private Discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate- 
date  unknown. 

Walters,  Augustus  A.  ..Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861— mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Weed,  Calvin  H Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

Wells,  Edgar  W Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — transferred 

to  looth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864 — Veteran — captured  at  Wei- 
don  railroad,  August  10,  1864 — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  May  24, 
1865. 

West,  Franklin  Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — died  June  14, 

1862,  of  wounds  received  at  Cross 
Keys,  June  8,  1862. 

Whalen,  John  Private Mustered  in  May  30,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate — date  un 
known. 

White,  George  O Private Mustered  in  August  13,  1861 — mustered 

out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 


COMPANY    K. 

RECRUITED    AT    CURWENSVILLE,    CLEARFIELD     COUNTY,     PA. 
Mustered  in  May  29,  1861,  for  three  years'  service. 


Edward  A.  Irvin  Captain Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— com 
missioned  Lieutenant-Colonel,  Septem 
ber  10,  1862. 

James  M.  Welch   Captain Mustered  in  May  29,   1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Antietam,  September  16-17,  1862 
— promoted  from  2nd-Lieutenant  to 
Captain,  March  21,  1863— transferred 
to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  June  28, 
1863. 

W.  Ross  Hartshorne  ...ist-Lieut Mustered  in  May  29,   1861— attached  to 

Signal  Corps — promoted  to  Adjutant, 
February,  1862. 

John   P.   Bard    ist-Lieut Mustered  in  May  29,   1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — promot 
ed  from  Sergeant  to  ist-Lieutenant, 
March  17,  1863 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864 — brevetted 
Captain,  March  13,  1865. 

David  C.  Dale   2nd-Lieut.  .Mustered    in    May    29,    1861— promoted 

from      Sergeant      to     2nd-Lieutenant, 
March  23,  1862 — captured  at  Mechan 
icsville,  June  26,  1862 — died  February 
17,  1863. 
426 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  K 


427 


John  Elliott  Kratzer   . .  .2nd-Lieut. 


Thomas  J.  Thomson ist-Sergt. 


Lewis  Hoover  ist-Sergt, 


Daniel   Blett    ist-Sergt, 


John  H.  Norris   ist-Sergt. 


James  F.  Ross   ist-Sergt. 


William  G.  Addleman   ..ist-Sergt. 


James  G.  Hill   Sergeant. , 


.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — promot 
ed  to  2nd-Lieutenant,  February  17,  1863 
— wounded  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3, 
1863 — promoted  to  Captain,  Company 
H,  igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers — 
Veteran — captured  at  Weldon  railroad, 
prisoner  from  August  19,  1864,  to  Feb 
ruary  22,  1865 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — transferred  to  Company  K,  iqoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — promoted  from  ist-Ser- 
geant  to  ist-Lieutenant,  July  20,  1864 
— mustered  out  with  company,  June 
28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  and  promoted  to  2nd-Lieuten- 
ant,  Company  F,  July  I,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  H,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — promoted  to  2nd-Lieutenant — 
captured — resigned  January  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — discharged 
May  24,  1864,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  in  action. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  May  8,  1862. 


428 


HISTORY  of  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Edmund  M.  Curry  Corporal. 

William  F.  Wilson Corporal. 

Robert  G.  McCracken  ..Corporal.. 
Alexander  Robertson  . . .  Corporal. . 

David  M.  Glenn  Corporal. , 

Cortez   Bloom    Corporal. 

Abram  Carson  Corporal. 


Samuel  Reed   Corporal. 


Amos  Swift   Corporal. 


John  Lemon   

John  H.  Wilson  . 
Peter   C.   McKee 


,  Corporal. 
.  Corporal. 
.  Corporal. 


.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— wounded  and 
captured  —  date  unknown  —  mustered 
out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  n, 
1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed — date  unknown — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— dis 
charged  November  28,  1862,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  and  captured  at  Fredericksburg,  De 
cember  13,  1862 — discharged  March  6, 
1863,  on  account  of  wounds  received 
in  action. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862— discharged  April  23,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

..Mustered  in  July  31,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
captured — died  at  Salisbury,  N.  C., 
February  3,  1865 — burial  record,  Jan 
uary  4,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — promoted  to 
Commissary-Sergeant,  January  I,  1863. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  Decem 
ber  9,  1861. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  II,  1864. 


MUSTER  ROIA — COMPANY  K 


429 


John  H.  Coulter 
Lorenzo  D.  Hile 
Addleman,  John 


Bailey,  Zachariah 
Bard,  Richard  J. 
Barnes,  John  F. 


Barr,  James  L Private. 


Billis,  James  C. 
Bloom,   Arnold 


Bloom,   Enos    Private , 


Bloom,  Isaiah 
Brink,  John  B. 


.Musician..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Musician..  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 
with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Private Mustered   in  October  3,   1861 — captured 

at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps — date 
unknown. 

Private Mustered  in  May  26,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

.Private Mustered   in    May  29,    1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  20, 
1861. 

.Private Mustered   in  July   I,   1861 — wounded  at 

Dranesville,  December  20,  1861 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  ipoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

. .  Mustered  in  March  21,  1861 — discharged 
on   Surgeon's  certificate,   December  3, 
1862. 
. .  Mustered  in   May  28,   1861 — transferred 

to  Company  H,  November  I,  1861. 
. .  Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  May  12,  1864 — transferred  to 
igoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Wilderness,  May  5-7,  1864 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 
Private Mustered  in  February  29,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  28,  1865 
— Veteran. 


.Private. 
.Private. 


430 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Broomall,   Joseph    Private. 

Chase,  Frank   Private. 

Chatham,  David  R Private. 

Clark,  Charles  M Private. 

Cogley,  Henry  Private . 

Conklin,  Thomas    Private. 

Connelly,  Jacob  Private. 


Conner,  Arthur  Private. 


Cummings,  William  S..  .Private. 


Cupples,  Andrew  J Private, 


Derrick,  William  G Private, 


Doughman,   Gideon   P.. . Private, 


Dunn,  Manning  S Private, 


..Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  July  I,  1861 — deserted,  April 
13,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  United  States  Signal  Corps, 
August  29,  1862 — captured  at  Second 
Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  August  IO, 
1861. 

..Mustered  in  May  31,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

..Mustered  in  February  29,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  iQOth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — pris 
oner  from  August  9,  1864,  to  April  20, 
1865 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  I, 
1862. 

..Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— killed 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Wilderness,  May  7,  1864 — absent  at 
muster  out. 

. .  Mustered  in  March  28,  1864 — transferred 
to  iqoth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May 
31,  1864. 

. .  Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  De 
cember  11,  1862. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  and 
captured  at  Fredericksburg,  December 
13,  1862 — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  n,  1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  K 


Ennis,    Levi    Private . 

Flanigan,  James    Private. 

Fleming,  Francis  A Private. 

Fleming,  Robert  R Private. 

Fogle,   Adam    Private. 

Frantz,   A.   Harrison Private. 

Frantz,  James Private. 

Frantz,  M.  F Private. 

Freeze,    Israel    Private. 

Glenn,  James   Private. 

Groff,   Charles   M.         ..Private. 


...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded  at 
Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

...Mustered  in  July  31,  1864 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  21, 
1861. 

. . .  Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 
— discharged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — 
date  unknown. 

. . .  Mustered  in  February  29,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — dis 
charged  by  General  Order,  June  8 
1865. 

. . .  Mustered  in  February  9,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  ipoth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — dis 
charged  for  wounds  received  in  action, 
May  30,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died  at 
Belle  Isle,  Va.,  July  15,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  March 
10,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — deserted 
December  I,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  certifi 
cate,  May  30,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  November  18,  1861 — 
wounded  at  Dranesville,  December  20, 
1861 — discharged  May  16,  1862,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

. . .  Mustered  in  March  28,  1864 — wounded 
at  Wilderness,  May  5-7,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  B,  December,  1864. 


432  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

Granger,  Burton  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30, 
1862 — died  October  2,  1862,  of  wounds 
received  in  action. 

Gunsalus,  Samuel  Private Mustered  in  March  28,  1864 — transferred 

to  Company  K,  ipoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — discharged 
by  General  Order,  June  15,  1865. 

Halcomb,  Edward  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 

to  Company  D,  October  12,  1861. 

Hall,  Charles  Private Mustered  in  July  31,  1861— captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862. 

Hall,  Ellis  J Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — mustered  out 

with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

Hall,  Henry  J Private Mustered  in  July  31,  1861— transferred 

to  Company  K,  lyoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Veteran — 
discharged  by  General  Order,  June  2, 
1865. 

Haslet,  John  W Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2-3,  1863— 
transferred  to  Company  K,  lyoth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — promoted  to  2nd-L,ieutenant , 
June  6,  1864 — discharged  by  General 
Order,  to  date  May  15,  1865. 

Hennigh,  William  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862— killed  at  Wilderness,  May  7, 
1864. 

Henry,   James    Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed  at 
Second  Bull  Run,  August  29,  1862. 

Henry,  John  Private Mustered  in   October  3,    1861— captured 

at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  K,  ipoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— Veteran — mustered  out  with  com 
pany,  June  28,  1865. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  K 


433 


Henry,  Joseph  K.  Private. 

Hockenbury,    Casper    ...Private. 

Honitter,   Thomas    Private. 

Hosford,  William  B.  ...Private. 

Humphrey,    Thomas ....  Private , 

Humphrey,  William  W.. Private. 

Irvin,  Austin   Private , 

Jagers,   Peter    Private. 

Kingston,  Samuel  Private . 


Knapp,  George  W Private. 


Kratzer,   John    Private. 


Littlefield,  Frost   Private. 


Lower,  Cyrus  B Private. 


. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  20,  1861. 

. . .  Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  19,  1862. 

. . .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  June  26,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  i,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  De 
cember,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
wounded  at  Antietam,  September  16- 
17,  1862 — discharged  on  Surgeon's  cer 
tificate,  December,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  July  i,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April 
20,  1863. 

...Mustered  in  July  i,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — died 
March  6,  1863. 

. . .  Mustered  in  July  31,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  D,  November  i,  1861. 

...Mustered  in  July  31,  1861— discharged 
January  20,  1862,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  in  action. 

...Mustered  in  July  i,  1861 — died  Septem 
ber  23,  1862,  on  board  transport  from 
Richmond. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— killed 
at  Second  Bull  Run,  August  30,  1862. 

...Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— muster 
ed  out  with  company,  June  n,  1864. 

. . .  Mustered  in  October  27,  1863— transfer 
red  to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsylva 
nia  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864— promot 
ed  to  Corporal — prisoner  from  May  30, 
to  June  15,  1864 — mustered  out  with 
company,  June  28,  1865— Veteran. 


434 


HISTORY  OF  THE;  BUCKTAILS 


McClenahan,   Hiram    ...Private, 


McCloskey,  Nathaniel  A.. Private. 
McCrum,  Charles  R.  . . .  Private , 
McCullough,  David  . . .  .Private, 
McDonald,  Alexander  ..Private. 


McDonald,  George  W.  .  .Private, 


McDonald,    Isaiah    Private. 

Mason,   Casper   P Private. 

Montonya,  Andrew  J.   ..Private. 

Morrow,   Ephraim    Private. 


Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  C,  44th  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  November  i,  1861 — promoted 
to  Corporal,  January  i,  1862 — promoted 
to  ist-Sergeant,  March  I,  1862 — pro 
moted  to  ist-Lieutenant,  February  13, 
1863 — wounded  July  17,  1863 — muster 
ed  out  with  company,  September  9, 
1864. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — died  Novem 
ber  28,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  n,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — deserted  De 
cember  8,  1862. 

Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  K,  looth  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — 
Veteran — mustered  out  with  company, 
June  28,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — trans 
ferred  to  Company  K,  looth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — Vet 
eran — prisoner  from  August  19,  1864, 
to  May  14,  1865 — discharged  by  Gen 
eral  Order,  June  5,  1865. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— mus 
tered  out  with  company,  June  u,  1864. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  April  10,  1863. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— died 
May,  1864,  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— transferred 
to  United  States  Signal  Corps,  Au 
gust,  1861. 


MUSTER  ROM, — COMPANY  K 


435 


Morrow,  Francis  E Private. 


Mortimer,   Samuel    Private, 


Moyer,   John    Private. . 

O'Leary,    George    Private. . 

Pettingill,  Robert  B.   ...Private.. 

Pifer,   Peter    Private . . 

Rex,  Reuben  I Private . . 

Riley,  Thomas   Private. . 

Rish,   John    Private. . 

Ross,   Robert  W Private. . 

Scott,   George   B Private. . 


.Mustered  in  July  I,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  South  Mountain,  September  14, 
1862 — transferred  to  Company  K,  igoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 
— discharged,  expiration  of  term. 

•  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862— discharged,  September  10,  1863, 
on  account  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  January  I, 
1862. 

.Mustered  in  July  I,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  November  20, 
1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  28,  1861 — transferred 
to  Company  H,  October  12,  1861. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 
on  Surgeon's  certificate,  July  30,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — wounded — 
date  unknown — discharged  on  Sur 
geon's  certificate,  June  n,  1862. 

.Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— killed  at 
South  Mountain,  September  14,  1862. 

•  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— died 
June  n,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at 
Bethesda  Church,  May  30,  1864. 

Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862— 
wounded  at  Antietam,  September  16- 
17,  1862— died  January  7,  1863,  of 
wounds  received  in  action. 

Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862 — discharged  February  9,  1863,  on 
account  of  wounds  received  in  action. 


436  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

Seaman,  Dwight  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 

from  Company  D,  October  12,  1861 — 
deserted — date  unknown. 

Shaver,  Daniel  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  and  captured  at  Second  Bull  Run, 
August  30,  1862 — discharged  April  20, 
1863,  on  account  of  wounds  received  in 
action. 

Sliaver,  Jesse  E Private Mustered  in  May  28,  1864 — transferred 

to  Company  K,  igoth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  May  31,  1864 — mustered 
out  with  company,  June  28,  1865. 

Shirk,  Joseph  Private. ....  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  December  22, 
1862. 

Smith,  D.  Porter  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — killed  at 
Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862. 

Smith,  Philander  Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— captured  at 

Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — dis 
charged  on  Surgeon's  certificate — date 
unknown. 

Souders,  Abel  Private Mustered  in  July  21,  1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  November  19, 
1862. 

Spargo,   Peter    Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — transferred 

to  United  States  Signal  Corps,  August 
23,  1^63. 

Spence,  James   Private Mustered  in  October  3,  1861— discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  I, 
1862. 

Spencer,  Joseph  G Private Mustered  in  May  29,   1861 — discharged 

on  Surgeon's  certificate,  September  22, 
1861. 

Spencer,  William  H.  . . .Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861— deserted,  Au 
gust  7,  1861. 

Straux,  Edward  D Private Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 

Games'  Mill,  June  27,  1862— wounded 
at  Fredericksburg,  December  13,  1862 — 
mustered  out  with  company,  June  II, 
1864. 


MUSTER  ROLL — COMPANY  K 


437 


Taylor,  George  W Private. 


Williams,  Daniel  F Private 

Williams,  James  M Private. 

Williams,  Joseph    Private. 


. .  Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — captured  at 
Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — wound 
ed  at  Fredericksburg,  December  13, 
1862— discharged  May  25,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

.  .Mustered  in  May  29,  1861 — discharged  on 
Surgeon's  certificate,  December  22, 
1862. 

. .  Mustered  in  February  27,  1864 — died 
May,  1864,  of  wounds  received  in  ac 
tion. 

. .  Mustered  in  October  3,  1861 — captured 
at  Mechanicsville,  June  26,  1862 — 
transferred  to  Company  K,  ipoth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  May  31. 
1864— Veteran— captured— died  at  Sal 
isbury,  N.  C.,  January  26,  1865. 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 


A  GROUP  OF  BUCKTAIL  SURVIVORS. 


1.  William  H.  Rauch 

2.  Henry  H.  Taggart 

3.  J.  Elliott  Kratzer 


4.   Firmin  F.   Kirk 
.">.  Thomas  Furlong 
C.   B.  Frank  Wright 


7.  Thomas  H.  Ryan 

8.  Wallace  W.  Brewer 

9.  Cornelius  J.  Smith 


APPENDIX   "  B . " 

REGIMENTAL    ASSOCIATION 

OF   THE 

BUCKTAIL  OR  FIRST  RIFLE  REGIMENT  OF  THE  PENN 
SYLVANIA  RESERVE  VOLUNTEER  CORPS. 


Owing  possibly  to  the  wide  scattering  of  the  survivors  of 
the  Bucktails,  no  re-union  was  held  until  1887.  In  May  or 
June  of  that  year,  the  desirability  of  such  a  meeting,  and  of 
the  formation  of  a  regimental  association,  seems  to  have  im 
pressed  itself  almost  simultaneously  upon  General  Hartshorne, 
Captain  John  P.  Bard,  Sergeant  Jonathan  V.  Morgan  and  Ser 
geant  William  H.  Rauch.  After  some  desultory  and  discon 
nected  efforts  it  was  decided  to  hold  a  preliminary  meeting  at 
Harrisburg  to  formulate  plans  for  the  projected  meeting.  A 
circular  was  issued  by  Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch,  and  upon 
August  2,  1887,  the  first  meeting  of  the  survivors  of  the  regi 
ment  was  held  and  a  temporary  organization  effected ;  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Niles  being  elected  President  and  Sergeant  Rauch 
Secretary,  both  pro  tern.  The  object  of  the  meeting  being 
stated  by  the  President  to  be  the  making  of  the  arrangements 
necessary  for  a  re-union  to  be  held  later  in  the  year,  committees 
were  appointed  to  further  that  design.  Before  adjournment, 
Williamsport  was  decided  upon  as  the  place,  and  October  2Oth 
and  2  ist  as  the  dates  of  meeting. 

So  well  did  the  committees  work  that  when  the  First  Re 
union  was  called  to  order,  in  the  room  of  the  Reno  Post,  G. 
A.  R.,  one  hundred  and  nineteen  survivors  answered  to  the 
roll-call. 

439 


440  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

A  permanent  organization  was  effected  under  the  name 
of  the  "Regimental  Association  of  the  Bucktail  or  First  Rifle 
"Regiment  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Volunteer  Corps,"  a 
constitution  adopted  and  officers  elected. 

Since  that  time  re-unions  have  been  held  annually  and 
each  has  been  characterized  by  the  good  feeling  and  friendship 
that  dominated  the  first.  In  every  town  or  city  where  the 
meetings  have  been  held,  the  Association  has  been  the  recipient 
of  lavish  hospitality.  Parades  have  been  held,  excursions 
undertaken,  and  orations  and  speeches  delivered.  Lasting  two 
or  three  days,  the  re-unions  have  been  terminated  by  camp- 
fires,  at  which  the  recitals  of  military  reminiscences  have  been 
enlivened  by  vocal  and  instrumental  music. 

The  officers  elected  and  the  dates  and  places  of  meetings 
are  as  follows : 

FIRST  R^-UNION,  WIUJAMSPORT,  PA.,  OCTOBER  2O-2I,   1887. 

President — Brigadier-General  W.  Ross  Hartshorne. 
Vice-President — Lieutenant-Colonel  Alanson  E.  Niles. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 

SECOND  RE-UNION,  BRADFORD,  PA.,  SEPTEMBER  26-28,  l888. 

President— Brigadier-General  W.  Ross  Hartshorne. 
Vice-President — Sergeant  Jonathan  V.  Morgan. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 

THIRD   RE-UNION,    PHIUPSBURG,    PA.,    AUGUST   21-22,    1889. 

President — Brigadier-General  W.  Ross  Hartshorne. 
Vice-President — Sergeant  Jonathan  V.  Morgan. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 


REGIMENTAL  ASSOCIATION  441 

FOURTH  RE-UNION,  WELLSBORO,  PA.,  OCTOBER  14-16,  1890. 
President — Brigadier-General  W.  Ross  Hartshorne. 
Vice-President — Lieutenant- Colonel  Alanson  E.  Niles. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 

FIFTH     RE-UNION,     MAUCH     CHUNK,     PA.,     SEPTEMBER     l6-l8, 
1891. 

President — 'Brigadier-General  W.  Ross  Hartshorne. 
Vice-President — Lieutenant-Colonel  Alanson  E.  Niles. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 

SIXTH   RE-UNION,  WASHINGTON,  D.   C.,    1892. 

Held  in  conjunction  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

SEVENTH  RE-UNION,  WILUAMSPORT,   PA.,  OCTOBER   12-13, 
1893. 

President — Comrade  Firmin  F.  Kirk. 
Vice-President — Corporal  Thomas  H.  Ryan. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

EIGHTH    RE-UNION,   KANE,    PA.,    AUGUST   23-24,    1894. 

President — Comrade  Firmin  F.  Kirk. 
Vice-President — Comrade  Lewis  Hoover. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

NINTH  RE-UNION,  I<OCK  HAVEN,  PA.,  SEPTEMBER  4-5,   1895. 

President — Comrade  Firmin  F.  Kirk. 
Vice-President — Comrade  Lewis  Hoover. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 


442  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

TENTH  RE-UNION,  EMPORIUM,  PA.,  AUGUST  26-27,   1896. 
President— Captain  B.  Frank  Wright. 
Vice-President — Major  John  A.  Wolfe. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

ELEVENTH   RE-UNION,   SMETHPORT,   PA.,   AUGUST    I9~2O,    1897. 

President — Major  John  A.  Wolfe. 
Vice-President — Comrade  W.  Wallace  Brown. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

TWELFTH    RE-UNION,    KENNETT   SQUARE,    PA.,    AUGUST    14-15, 
1898. 

President — Comrade  W.  Wallace  Brown. 
Vice-President — Comrade  Thomas  H.  Ryan. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

THIRTEENTH   RE-UNION,   PHILADELPHIA,   PA.,   SEPTEMBER  5~7, 
1899. 

President — Corporal  Thomas  H.  Ryan. 
Vice-President — Captain  Leander  W.  Gifford. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant- Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — 'Orderly-Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant- Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 
FOURTEENTH   RE-UNION,   RIDGWAY,   PA.,   SEPTEMBER    13-15, 

1900. 

President — Orderly- Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Vice-President — Captain  Leander  W.  Gifford. 
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary — Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs.  Ellen  W.  Foster. 


REGIMENTAL  ASSOCIATION  443 

FIFTEENTH  RE-UNION,  GETTYSBURG,  PA.,  OCTOBER  11-12,  1901. 
President  —  Sergeant  Jonathan  V.  Morgan. 
Vice-President—Captain  J.  Elliott  Kratzer. 
Treasurer  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary  —  Orderly-Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-  Secretary  —  Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

SIXTEENTH    RE-UNION,   DUBOIS,    PA.,    SEPTEMBER    l6-l8,    IOX>2. 

President  —  Captain  J.  Elliott  Kratzer. 
Vice-President  —  Comrade  Michael  Gannon. 
Treasurer  —  Lieutenant-  Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary  —  Orderly-  Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-  Secretary  —  Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

SEVENTEENTH    RE-UNION,    HARRJSBURG,    PA.,    JUNE   24-25,    1903. 

President  —  Comrade  Lewis  Hoover. 
Vice-President  —  Comrade  Henry  C.  White. 
Treasurer  —  Lieutenant-  Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary  —  Orderly-Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary  —  Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

EIGHTEENTH    RE-UNION,    LOCK    HAVEN,    PA.,    1904. 

President  —  Comrade  John  Norris. 
Vice-President  —  Comrade  Sheldon  Jewett. 
Treasurer  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary  —  Orderly-  Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-  Secretary  —  Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 

NINETEENTH    RE-UNION,    CURWENSVHXE,     PA.,    OCTOBER    3-4, 


President  —  Comrade  Cornelius  J.  Smith. 
Vice-President  —  Comrade  Henry  H.  Taggart. 
Treasurer  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin. 
Secretary  —  Orderly-  Sergeant  William  H.  Rauch. 
Assistant-Secretary  —  Mrs.  William  H.  Rauch. 


444  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAIW 

At  the  meeting  in  1888  a  committee  was  appointed  to  act 
in  co-operation  with  committees  of  the  other  regiments  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps  relative  to  the  erection  of  a  Memo 
rial  Building  at  Gettysburg  for  the  Pennsylvania  Reserves. 
After  some  years'  discussion,  however,  the  matter  was  dropped 
by  the  State  authorities.  A  marker  to  indicate  the  spot  where 
the  Bucktail  Colonel,  Charles  Frederick  Taylor,  fell,  having 
been  erected  by  the  Charles  Frederick  Taylor  Post  19,  of  Phila 
delphia,  incorrectly  lettered  and  inaccurately  located,  a  com 
mittee  of  three  was  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Taylor  Post 
and  arrange  for  the  necessary  corrections.  In  1903  this  com 
mittee  was  increased  to  five — Captain  J.  Elliott  Kratzer,  Com 
rade  Firmin  F.  Kirk,  Corporal  Thomas  H.  Ryan,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin  and  Secretary  William  H.  Rauch — 
and  was  instructed  to  arrange  for  the  cutting  of  a  new  marker 
and  for  its  erection  upon  the  correct  spot. 

After  the  final  adjournment  of  the  Nineteenth  Annual  Re 
union  of  the  Bucktails,  held  at  Curwensville,  Pa.,  October  4th 
and  5th,  1905,  a  large  committee  was  formed  to  go  to  Gettys 
burg,  Pa.,  to  dedicate  the  new  marker  which  had  just  been 
erected  on  the  battle-field  under  the  direction  of  the  committee 
of  five,  previously  mentioned,  designating  the  exact  spot  where 
Colonel  Taylor  fell. 

At  Gettysburg  the  party  was  met  by  delegations  from 
Philadelphia,  Kennett  Square,  Lebanon,  Reading  and  other 
places. 

Friday,  October  6th,  1905,  had  been  designated  as  the 
time  for  the  ceremonies  to  take  place,  and  on  the  afternoon  of 
that  day  the  comrades,  with  their  wives  and  children,  assembled 
in  the  woods  adjoining  the  well-remembered  wheat  field. 


THE  COLONEL  TAYLOR  MARKER,  GETTYSBURG,  PA. 


REGIMENTAL  ASSOCIATION  445 

The  marker,  probably  one  of  the  finest  on  the  battle-field,  is 
of  dark  Barre  granite,  three  feet  four  inches  long,  two  feet  two 
inches  wide  and  four  feet  six  inches  high.  On  a  polished  panel 
on  the  front,  surmounted  by  a  cap  and  bucktail  is  the  following 
inscription : 

HERE  FELL 
CHARLES  FREDERICK  TAYLOR, 

July  2,  1863, 

Age  23  Years  4  Months  26  Days, 
COLONEL  OF  "THE  BUCKTAILS" 

FIRST  RIFLE  REGIMENT,  P.  R.  V.   C. 

Erected  by  his  Comrades  and  Friends. 

1905. 
And  on  the  reverse  side : 

CHARLES  FREDERICK  TAYLOR, 
Born  February  6,  1840. 
Enrolled  May  15,  1861. 

CAPTAIN  CO.  H,  I3TH  PENNA.  RESERVES 

(FIRST  RIFLES),  MAY  28,  1861. 
COLONEL  MARCH  I,  1863. 

KILLED  IN  ACTION  JULY  2,  1863. 

Comrade  William  H.  Rauch  called  the  assemblage  to  order 
and  invoked  a  divine  blessing  upon  the  present  undertaking  and 
introduced  Lieutenant-Colonel  Edward  A.  Irvin,  who  spoke  as 
follows : 
COMRADES,  LADIES  AND  GENTLEMEN  : 

I  have  looked  forward  to  the  arrival  of  this  day  with  considerable 
anxiety,  as  it  was  selected  as  the  time  when  we  as  Bucktails  and  friends, 
would  be  called  upon  to  unveil  this  handsome  marker,  which  designates 
the  spot  where  fell  one  of  the  most  gallant  American  soldiers  who  ever 
drew  sword. 

I  was  pleased  when  I  learned  my  comrades  had  selected  me  as  their 
representative  on  this  occasion,  as  the  relations  between  Col.  Taylor 


446  HISTORY  otf  THS  BUCKTAILS 


and  myself  were  of  such  a  character  as  to  afford  an  opportunity  to 
offer  a  tribute  to  one  who  was  very  dear  to  my  heart. 

I  am  sorry,  now  that  the  day  has  come,  that  some  other  comrade 
is  not  here  to  take  my  place,  as  illness  has  overtaken  me,  and  I  feel 
almost  unable  to  undertake  the  task  assigned. 

My  comrades  insist,  however,  and  I  beg  you  to  bear  with  me  in  the 
few  words  I  shall  have  to  say  of  our  fallen  friend  and  fellow  Bucktail. 

An  acquaintance  which  ripened  into  the  warmest  kind  of  friendship 
began  at  Camp  Curtin,  upon  the  very  first  day  we  commenced  drilling 
our  respective  companies  for  the  arduous  task  that  followed  later  on 
during  the  three  years  that  were  to  come. 

Col.  Taylor  called  upon  me  at  my  quarters,  and  we  talked  together 
of  some  of  the  difficulties  that  surrounded  us.  From  that  day  we  became 
firm  and  fast  friends. 

When  Col.  Taylor  was  on  parole  and  I  was  recovering  from  wounds, 
I  visited  beautiful  Kennett,  his  home,  and  there  I  learned  to  love  this 
loyal  American  soldier  and  gentleman  still  more.  I  found  how  true  a 
patriot  he  was,  and  after  many  a  heart-to-heart  talk,  I  was  convinced 
that  the  Government  had  indeed  found  in  Col.  Taylor  a  gem  of  the 
first  water. 

Our  military  lives  were  so  close  that  it  is  a  pleasure  in  these  after 
years  to  dwell  upon  them.  We  were  both  wounded  at  Fredericksburg 
and  carried  to  the  same  hospital,  and  our  promotions  occurred  at  the 
same  time,  he  to  the  Colonelcy  of  the  regiment,  and  I  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel. 

My  one  regret  has  ever  been  that  I  was  not  with  him  on  this  mem 
orable  field,  where  he  gave  up  his  young  life  that  his  country  might  live. 

But  this  was  not  to  be.  The  Surgeon-General  refused  to  entertain 
my  desire  to  rejoin  my  regiment,  which  was  a  source  of  disappointment 
to  me  then,  and  has  been  ever  since. 

On  the  march  to  Gettysburg,  I  received  a  letter  from  Col.  Taylor, 
in  which  he  told  me  of  the  wonderful  efficiency  the  regiment  had 
attained.  His  prediction  then  was  that  the  regiment,  in  the  event  of 
an  engagement,  would  add  another  star  to  those  already  on  the  Buck- 
tail  flag. 

Comrades !  Bucktails !  I  do  not  feel  able  to  utter  what  I  so  much 
desire  to  say  regarding  the  second  day  of  July,  1863. 

I  can,  however,  see  in  my  mind,  our  noble  Bucktail  chief  leading 
his  regiment  in  a  charge  down  yonder  hill,  giving  to  you,  my  comrades, 
an  example  of  heroic  courage  never  before  witnessed.  How  he  led  you 
on,  meeting  the  enemy  in  the  conflict,  how  you  received  with  cheers 
the  command,  "Forward,  Bucktails,  forward,"  on,  on,  ever  on,  crossing 
Plum  Run,  up  to,  and  over  the  slopes  to  the  stone  fence,  always  for- 
waid.  Glorious  Bucktails!  Gallant  Taylor!  What  a  great  day  it  was. 


ASSOCIATION  447 


But  in  that  advance  of  the  regiment  the  bullet  came  that  silenced 
our  gallant  Colonel's  voice  forever.  History  and  poets  must  do  the 
rest.  I  can  say  no  more. 

I  shall  now  ask  you  to  unveil  the  stone,  on  which  is  inscribed  the 
record  of  the  youngest  Colonel  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Charles 
Frederick  Taylor,  who  was  killed  when  only  23  years,  4  months  and 
25  days  old. 

(Comrade  Thomas  H.  Ryan  here  removed  the  covering  from  the 
stone.) 

Col.  Taylor  was  born  at  West  Chester,  Pa.,  February  6,  1840.  His 
parents  were  Joseph  and  Rebecca  W.  Taylor.  They  were  descended 
from  Quaker  stock,  were  married  in  1818,  and  moved  to  Kennett  Square. 

Col.  Taylor  was  the  youngest  of  ten  children.  He  was  educated  in 
the  schools  of  the  neighborhood  and  at  Ann  Harbor  University. 

Of  the  family  surviving  are  Dr.  J.  Howard  Taylor,  of  Philadelphia; 
Mrs.  Charles  Carey  and  Mrs.  Charles  Lamborn,  of  Kennett  Square. 

At  the  first  call  to  arms  young  Taylor  formed  the  company  which 
afterwards  became  Company  H,  of  the  Old  Bucktails. 

This  stone  is  but  a  slight  testimonial  from  his  surviving  comrades, 
and  will  last  long  after  we  too  have  gone  to  the  great  beyond,  and  will 
tell  those  of  after  years  the  whole  story  of  a  young  life  given  for  his 
country  and  its  flag. 

Mrs.  Charles  Carey,  of  Kennett  Square,  Pa.,  a  sister  of 
Colonel  Taylor,  responded  to  the  address  of  Colonel  Irvin  in 
a  feeling  manner. 

The  marker  was  then  decorated  with  flowers  and  ferns, 
and  the  comrades  scattered  over  that  portion  of  the  field  where 
they  had  fought  over  forty  years  ago  and  recounted  to  the  visi 
tors  and  younger  generation  the  story  of  the  Bucktails  and 
their  famous  charge  at  Little  Round  Top. 

The  Regimental  Association  has  also  given  birth  to  others 
—  an  honorary  membership,  a  Bucktail  Band,  composed  chiefly 
of  sons  of  Bucktails,  a  Bucktail  Drum  and  Fife  Corps  at  Grand 
Rapids,  Minn.,  and  the  "Juni°r  Bucktail  Association,"  the 
latter  composed  of  lineal  descendants  of  Bucktails,  and  hav 
ing  for  its  President  Mr.  Frank  L.  Beeby,  son  of  the  late 
Comrade  Richard  Beeby,  of  Company  H. 


448  HISTORY  otf  THE  BUCKTAILS 

At  the  meeting  held  in  1894,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  D.  Kane, 
widow  of  the  organizer  of  the  Bucktails,  was  formally  elected 
the  "Mother  of  the  Regiment." 

A  notice  of  the  Association  would  be  incomplete  without 
mention  of  the  printed  reports  of  the  re-unions  which  are 
issued  each  year.  Comprising  sometimes  as  many  as  sixty 
pages,  they  are  compiled  by  the  Secretary,  and  contain  not  only 
transcripts  of  the  minutes,  reports  of  the  meetings,  copies  of 
the  addresses  delivered  and  summaries  of  the  doings  around 
the  camp-fires,  but  also  each  year  the  names  and  post-office 
addresses  of  all  the  surviving  members  of  the  regiment.  A 
necrology,  added  annually,  gives  briefly  the  outlines  of  the 
lives  of  those  who  pass  away  between  the  re-unions. 


APPENDIX   "  C." 


SURVIVO  RS 


NAMES  AND  POST  OFFICE  ADDRESSES  OF  SURVIVORS  OF  THE  REGIMENT  LIVING  AT 

DATE  OF  PUBLICATION. 


Name. 

Allen,  Edwin  R. 
Archer,  Lea  T. 
Bacon,  Dr.  Morgan  L. 
Bailey,  Harrison  C. 
Bailey,  Zachariah 
Baker,  Albert  D. 
Baker,  Evan  H. 
Baker,  William 
Barben,  Joel  M. 
Barnes,  John  F. 
Barnes,  Thomas 
Beckwith,  Nathaniel  F. 
Beer,  Philip 
Black,  Isaac  G. 
Blair,  John  P. 
Blanchard,  William  T. 
Bloom,  Arnold 
Bloom,  Enos 
Bloom,  Isaiah 
Boardman,  Daniel  S. 
Bockius,  Charles 
Bolden,  James 
Boozer,  Charles 
Borden,  Orasmus  P. 
Brecht,  Jonathan 
Brewer,  Wm.  Wallace 
Brookins,  Elijah  L. 
Brown,  Wm.  Wallace 
Bundy,  Clinton  A. 
Campbell,  George  A. 
Campbell,  John  J. c 


Company.  Post  Office  Address. 

E  Stoney  Fork,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

H  33d  and  West  Sts.,  Wilmington,  Del. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Mansfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Westfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

H  West  Grove,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

H  London  Grove,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

H  205  McAlpin  St.,  Philadelphia. 

K  Bethlehem,  Northampton  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Scottville,  Mason  Co.,  Mich. 

F  Pennfield,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

F  Gilbert,  Monroe  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Newport,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Williamsport,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Newport,  Campbell  Co.,  Ky. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

K  New  Millport,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Clearfield,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa, 

A  Rome,  Bradford  Co.,  Pa. 

H  3831  Reno  St.,  Philadelphia. 

B  Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

H  7200  Woodland  Ave.,  Philadelphia. 

E  Ewing,  Holt  Co.,  Neb. 

H  Mt.  Penn,  Berks  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Backus,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Caledonia,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Treasury  Dept,  Washington,  D.  C. 

G  Sheridanville,  Allegheny  Co.,  Pa. 

I  San  Jose,  Santa  Clara  Co.,  Cal. 

C  Eldred,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 
30  449 


450 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Name. 

Campbell,  Samuel  W. 

Carney,  Simon  S. 

Carpenter,  Alvin  T.  T. 

Catlin,  Lorenzo 

Caswell,  Edward 

Cleaveland,  Martin  V. 

Cline,  Marcus 

Cole,  Jacob 

Colegrove,  Alpha  W. 

Coulter,  John  H. 

Covert,  Samuel 

Coyle,  James 

Cramer,  Jacob 

Crossett,  Martin  S. 

Gulp,  Cornelius 

Cummings,  James  C. 
Daily,  John  F. 
Danforth,  L.  Byron 
Davis,  George  W. 
Deahn,  John  F. 
Dehart,  Uriah 
Deming,  Andrew  J. 
Derby,  George  O. 
Devirs,  James 
Devoge,  Theophilus 
Dewey,  Barzillia  K. 
Dickinson,  Charles  W. 
Dixon,  Evan  P. 
Doughman,  Gideon  P. 
Duddy,  William  B. 
Duell,  Henry  L. 
Dunton,  Stephen  B. 
Edgerton,  Whiting  S. 
English,  John 
English,  William  W. 
Evans,  Michael 
Eyerley,  Joseph 
Farnsworth,  Samuel 
Felker,  John 
Fenstermacher,  John 
Fisher,  George 
Fissel,  John  A. 
Flatt,  Louis  D. 


Company.  Post  Office  Address. 

E  Prairie  Farm,  Barren  Co.,  Wis. 

E  Fairmount,  Fillmore  Co.,  Nebraska. 

G  Michigan  Soldiers'  Home. 

E  Middlebury,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Columbia,  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Moravia,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y. 

G  30  King  St.,  Olean,  N.  Y. 

E  Antriam,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Smethport,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Reedsville,  Mifflin  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Calvert,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Lebanon,  Lebanon  Co.,  Pa. 

H  834  St.  Louis  Ave.,  Chicago,  111. 

E  Verona,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y. 

I  Eldridge,  Laclede  Co.,  Mo. 

G  503  N.  4ist  St.,  Philadelphia. 

G  Mansfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Shingle  House,  Potter  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Collins,  Huron  Co.,  Ohio. 

F  162  Chew  St.,  Allentown,  Lehigh  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Milton,  Northumberland  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Corry,  Erie  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

D  616  W.  Clinch  Ave.,  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

D  St.  Mary's,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

E  1522  Olive  St.,  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 

I  Smethport,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Kennett  Square,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Grampian,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

H  3862  Cambridge  St.,  Philadelphia, 

I  Sweden  Valley,  Potter  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Penn  Yan,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y. 

A  Geraman,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y. 

E  Oregon  Hill,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa, 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Beechwood,  Cameron  Co.,  Pa. 

F  Berwick,  Columbia  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Benton  Harbor,  Berrien  Co.,  Mich. 

C  1513  Peach  St.,  Erie,  Pa. 

F  29  N.  Centre  St.,  Bethlehem,  Pa. 

D  Castana,  Monona  Co.,  Iowa. 

B  Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Corydon,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 


SURVIVORS 


Name. 

Fleck,  Ephraim  B. 
Frantz,  James  A. 
Freeland,  Samuel 
Freeze,  Israel 
Furlong,  Thomas 
Gannon,  Michael 
Garrison,  Tartulas  J. 
Gause,  William  T, 
Gibbs,  Albert  E. 
Gordon,  Abner  M. 
Guthrie,  Smith  E. 
Guthrie,  W.  Sylvester 
Hall,  Ellis  I. 
Hall,  Ribero  D. 
Hammond,  H.  J. 
Hartzell,  Isaiah 
Hatton,  John  C. 
Hatton,  W.  H.  D. 
Henry,  John 
Henry,  Joseph  K. 
Higgins,  Edward  L. 
Hill,  James  G.      . 
Hills,  John  C. 
Holland,  William  A. 
Honniter,  Thomas 
Hooker,  John  M. 
Hoover,  Lewis 
Horton,  Samuel  M. 
Hosford,  William  B. 
Huck,  Samuel 
Humphrey,  Thomas 
Humphreys,  Thomas  K. 
Hunt,  Edwin  J. 
Huss,  Samuel  S. 
Irvin,  Edward  A. 
Jackson,  John  A. 
Jagers,  Peter 
Jaquette,  Isaac  G. 
Je.vett  Sheldon 
Johnson,  Alonzo  N. 
Jones,  Dr.  William  B. 
Jones,  Nicholas  Y. 
Reiser,  William 


Company.  Post  Office  Address. 

B  Newport,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

K  2725  36th  Ave.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

A  Coudersport,  Potter  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Milesburg,  Centre  Co.,  Pa. 

G  1225  Goodfellow  Ave.,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

D  321  E.  Main  St.,  Greensburg,  Ind. 

G  Trowbridge,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

H  2024  I  St.,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

C  810  E.  2ist  St.,  Erie,  Pa. 

D  Corry,  Erie  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Driftwood,  Cameron  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Racine,  Racine  Co.,  Wis. 

K  Knox,  Clarion  Co.,  Pa. 

D  San  Angelo,  Tom  Green  Co.,  Texas. 

I  Hotchkiss,  Delta  Co.,  Col. 

B  New  Bloomfield,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Russell,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

—  1602  New  Fifth  St.,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

K  Cheif,  Manestee  Co.,  Mich. 

K  Mahaffey,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

F  East  Denmark,  Oxford  Co.,  Maine. 

K  Terrace  Park,  Hamilton  Co.,  Ohio. 

F  155  Passaic  St.,  Trenton,  N.  J. 

B  Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Clearfield  Bridge,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

F  Hokendauqua,  Lehigh  Co.,   Pa. 

K  Lock  Haven,  Clinton  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Mountain  View,  Santa  Clara  Co.,  Cal. 

K  Clarendon,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Lamont,  Grant  Co.,  Oklahoma  Territory. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Durango,  La  Platte  Co.,  Col. 

A  Austinburg,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Coatesville,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

H  West  Chester,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

D  8  West  83d  St.,  New  York. 

H  817  I3th  St.,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  Custer,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

1336  S.  Eighth  St.,  Philadelphia. 

B  1547  Erie  Ave.,  Williamsport,  Pa. 

F  Weissport,  Carbon  Co.,  Pa. 


452 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 


Name. 

Kellar,  Reuben 
Kelsey,  Robert 
Kimball,  Chester  F. 
Kinsey,  Neri  B. 
Kirk,  Firmin  F. 
Knecht,  William 
Knopf,  Frederick  L. 
Knowlton,  Byron  D. 
Kratzer,  J.  Elliott 
Kugler,  Charles 
Lain,  Robert  T. 
Lampman  Dewitt  C. 
Landregan,  James 
Langworthy,  Frank 
Leeman,  John  W. 
Lemon,  John 
Lewis,  Thomas  B. 
Lower,  Cyrus  B. 
Lucore,  Stephen  J. 
Ludlow,  George  A. 
Luther,  John  C. 
Lynch,  James  H. 
Magee,  Hugh  J. 
Mahlin,  Allen 
Mayall,  Miles  A. 
McCloud,  Jacob 
McCoy,  Alexander  G. 
McDonald,  James 
Meek,  John  C. 
Meek,  Joseph  H. 
Middler,  Charles 
Montgomery,  Thos.  T. 
Moore,  Wallace  M. 
Morgan,  Jonathan  V. 
Morrison,  James  R. 
Morrow,  Ephraim 
Moses,  Calvin  L. 
Moyer,  John 
Mulvaney,  Charles 
Muzzy,  Edwin 
Norris,  John  H. 
Olmstead,  James  B. 
Pennell,  John 


Company.  Post  Office  Address. 

G  Brockport,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

C  819  Webster  St.,  Saginaw,  Mich. 

C  Duboistown,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa. 

G  St.  Mary's,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Warren,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Marion,  Grant  Co.,  Ind. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Shermansdale,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

I  253  E.  Main  St.,  Bradford,  Pa. 

E  Troy,  Bradford  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Turtle  Point,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

W.  D  Russell,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Guilford,  Piscataquiss  Co.,  Maine. 

K  Lumber  City,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Renovo,  Clinton  Co.,  Pa. 

K  3819  N.  H.  Av.,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 

F  East  Bradford,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Sioux  Falls,  Minnehaha  Co.,  S.  Dakota. 

G  Soldiers'  Home,  Erie,  Pa. 

H  Nottingham,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Elkland,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Spring  Grove,  Surry  Co.,  Va. 

B  Warrensburg,  Macon  Co.,  III. 

B  Speeceville,  Dauphin  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Bay  City,  Bay  Co.,  Mich. 

G  Johnsonburg,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Shermandale,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Marysville,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

F  453  Birch  St.,  South  Bethlehem,  Pa. 

G  Kirkman,  Jefferson  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Mt.  Vernon,  Linn  Co.,  Iowa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

D  Titusville,  Crawford  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Dayton,  Armstrong  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Shingle  House,  Potter  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

I  B.  R.  Falls,  Jackson  Co.,  Wis. 

D  East  Branch,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Curwensville,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Tiadaghton,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

B  629  Peffer  St.,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 


SURVIVORS 


453 


Name. 

Perry,  Thomas  M. 

Pifer,  Peter 

Pitts,  William  L. 

Potter,  Benjamin  B. 

Pressley,  William  H. 

Prosser,  Lorenzo  B. 

Pusey,  Joshua 

Raach,  William  H. 

Reed,  Samuel 

Reinhart,  John 

Reinwald,  Augustus 

Rice,  Charles  P. 

Rifle,  William  H. 

Roberts,  Thomas  C. 

Roman,  Joseph  A. 

Roney,  Thomas  J. 

Runyan,  Henry  H. 

Ryan,  Thomas  H. 

Sayles,  Adrial  K. 

Seamans,  Eli  B. 

Seiler,  Reuben 

Seward,  Levi 

Sharrer,  Robert  L. 

Shatto,  Alexander 

Shatto,  John  E. 

Shaver,  Jesse  E. 
Shearer,  Charles  G 

Sheibley,  George  W. 

Sheibley,  Thomas  J. 
Simmons,  Albert  D. 
Simmons,  Sherwood 
Smathers,  John 
Smith,  Frank  T. 
Smith,  Anson  P. 
Smith,  Cornelius  J. 
Smith,  John  C. 
Southwick,  Samuel  G. 
Starr,  Jeremiah  J. 
Stephenson,  Thomas  J. 
Stoliker,  Abraham 
Stone,  Eugene  H. 
Stone,  Orion  B. 


Company.  Post  Office  Address. 

H  6509  Elmwood  Ave.,  Oak  Lane,  Phila. 

K  Grampian,  Clearfield  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Mansfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

E  St.  Clair,  St.  Clair  Co.,  Mich. 

B  1711  N.  7th  St.,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

I  Kendall  Creek,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

H  ion  Chestnut  St.,  Philadelphia. 

F  2141  N.  Park  Ave.,  Philadelphia. 

K  Rush  Centre,  Rush  Co.,  Kansas. 

G  Togus,  Kennebec  Co.,  Maine. 

G  Gaines,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Little  Valley,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y. 

I  Hazlehurst,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Lake  City,  Wabasha  Co.,  Minn. 

H  Oregon  City,  Clackamas  Co.,  Oregon. 

H  808  W.  8th  St.,  Wilmington,  Del. 

D  Fairmount,  Martin  Co.,  Minn. 

G  Kane,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Westfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Westfield,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Carlisle,  Cumberland  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Bradford,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Altoona,  Blair  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Williamsport,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa. 

B  Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 

K  Dallas,  Luzerne  Co.,  Pa. 

G  Ashland,  Jackson  Co.,  Oregon. 

B  Mose,  Griggs  Co.,  N.  D. 

B  Ponca,  Dixon  Co.,  Neb. 

E  State  Line  Mills,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Columbus,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Brookville,  Jefferson  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Little  Valley,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y. 

I  Smethport,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

A  Addison,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y. 

B  New  Kingston,  Cumberland  Co.,  Pa. 

I  Smethport,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 

H  Monkton,  Baltimore  Co.,  Md. 

G  Rolfe,  Elk  Co.,  Pa. 

C  Galeton,  Potter  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

E  Riverside,  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y. 


454 


HISTORY  otf  TH£  BUCKTAILS 


Name.  Company. 

Swartz,  Henry  E.  F 

Taggart,  Henry  H.  A 

Taylor,  William  H.  H 

Thompson,  Thomas  J.  K 

Torpey,  Aaron  B.  E 

Urban,   Charles  F.  H 

Valentine,  Robert  B.  B 

Van  Orsdale,  Allen  A.  A 

Van  Zandt,  Jarnes  M.  B 

Varner,  Henry  E 

Wakley,  Samuel  M.  A 

Walbridge,  Peter  D.  E 

Walker,  James   B.  D 

Walters,  William  H.  E 

Wanzel,  Christian  G 

Warner,  William  G 

Washburn,  James  E.  C 

Welch,  James  M.  K 

Wells,  Edgar  W.  I 

West,  James  Dixon  H 

White,  Henry  C.  H 

Whitehead,  Joel  H.  G 

Wiles,  Luther  A 

Wilkinson,  John  A.  B 

Williams,  Abraham  C.  D 

Williams,  Daniel  F.  K 

Williams,  Frank  M.  D 

Wilson,  Samuel  G.  H 

Wilson,  William  T.  K 

Wood,  James  M.  I 

Wood,  Sylvester  D 

Wright,  B.  Frank  C 

Yunkin,  Edward  H 


Post  Office  Address. 
Mauch  Chunk,  Carbon  Co.,  Pa. 
Salamanca,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y. 
2123  N.  Fairhill  St.,  Philadelphia. 
Chama,  Rio  Arriba  Co.,  New  Mexioo. 
Hornellsville,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Lebanon,  Lebanon  Co.,  Pa. 
Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 
Hornellsville,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Middleburg,   Snyder  Co.,   Pa. 
Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 
Austinburg,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 
Wellsboro,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 
Findlay,  Hancock  Co.,  Ohio. 
Oregon  Hill,  Lycoming  Co.,  Pa. 
Paoli,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 
Ludington,  Mason  Co.,  Mich. 
1064  Lovejoy  St.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
709  Topeka  Ave.,  Topeka,  Kan. 
Bells  Run,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 
Port  Deposit,  Cecil  Co.,  Md. 
Kennett  Square,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 
Arlington,  Alexander  Co.,  Va. 
Nelson,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 
Duncannon,  Perry  Co.,  Pa. 
Butler,  Butler  Co.,  Pa. 
Fleming,   Center   Co.,   Pa. 
Corydon,  Warren  Co.,  Pa. 
Pomeroy  P.  O.,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 
Clearfield,  Clearfield  Co.    Pa. 
Rixford,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 
Soldiers'  National  Home,  Va. 
Smethport,  McKean  Co.,  Pa. 
Mortonville,  Chester  Co.,  Pa. 


APPIMDIX   "D.1 


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Bard,  John  P History  of  the  "Old  Bucktails." 

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Chamberlain,  Thomas  J History  of  the  isoth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
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Cooke,  John  E Life  of  Gen.  Robert  E.  Lee. 

Cooke,  John  E Stonewall  Jackson. 

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Egle,  William  H.,  editor  Andrew  Gregg  Curtin:  his  life  and  ser 
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Greeley,    Horace    The  American  Conflict. 

Hall,  Henry,  and  Hall,  James  Cayuga  in  the  Field. 

Holland,  William  A History  of  the  First  Pennsylvania  Rifle 

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Humphreys,   Andrew  A The  Virginia  Campaign  of  '64  and  '65. 

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Lossing,  Benson  J Pictorial  History  of  the  Civil  War. 

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Pollard,  Edward  A The  Lost  Cause. 

Palfrey,  Francis  W The  Antietam  and  Fredericksburg. 

Paris,  The  Comte  de  History  of  the  Civil  War  in  America. 

Rauch,  William  H.,  editor Bucktail  Reunions  (1887-1904). 

Rauch,  William  H.,  comp Pennsylvania  Reserve  Volunteer  Corps. 

"Round-Up."  June  24-25,  1903.  Har- 
risburg,  Pa. 

Swinton,  William  Campaigns  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Sypher,  Justin  R History  of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve 

Corps. 

Tenney,  W.  J Military  and  Naval  History  of  the  Re 
bellion. 

455 


456  HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS 

**.*.-., 

United  States The  War  of  the  Rebellion :  a  compila 
tion  of  the  official  records  of  the 
Union  and  Confederate  Armies. 

United  States  Report  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 

Conduct  of  the  War. 

Webb,  Alexander  S The  Peninsula. 

Williamson,   James   J Mosby's  Rangers. 

Woodward,  E.  M Our  Campaigns  ( Second  Reserves) . 


INDEX    TO    NAMES    AND    PLACES. 


When  names  appear  both  in  the  actual  text,  and  in  the  note  at  the  bottom  of 
the  page,  only  the  page  number  is  given. 

When  names  appear  only  in  the  notes  at  the  bottom  of  the  page,  a  small  "n" 
follows  the  page  number,  thus:  "26sn." 

When  reference  is  made  to  a  body  of  troops  through  their  commanding  officer 
(e.  g.,  "McCall's  division"),  such  reference  is  indexed  under  the  name  of  the  officer 
mentioned. 


PAGE 

ACADEMIA,  PA 86n 

Alexandria,  Va..    74,  90,   147,   175, 

244,  246. 

Allen's  Farm,  Va 125 

Allison,  Lieut.  William....    19,  216-217 
Alsop's    Farm.      See    Spottsylvania 

Court  House. 

Amsden,  Lieut.  F.  P 129 

Anderson,   Gen.   G.   T 274 

Anderson,     Gen.    J.     R 107 

Anderson,    Col.   Robert..    178,  201, 

213,  224,  233n,  235n. 

Anderson,    Gen.     R.    H 299n 

Angle,     The.       See     Spottsylvania 

Court    House. 
Antietam,  Md 28n,   37n,  8sn, 

140,    208   et  seq.,    25211,    2$6n, 

261,   277,   280. 

Aquia     Creek,     Va 177 

Archer,    Gen.    J.   J...IO7,   232-233, 

238,   239,  262n. 

Arlington,     Va 197 

Armistead,    Gen.    L.    A 273 

Armstrong     House     48 

Arthur,    Pres.    C.   A i87n 

Ashby,  Gen.   Turner 151,    153, 

155-156,   158,   161. 

Ashland,    Va 101 

Atlanta,    Ga 288 

Atley's     Station,     Va 101 

Auburn,    N.    Y 37n,    217 

Auburn,     Va 282n 

Austin.     See  Niles,  Mrs.  A.    (A.) 
Ayres,  Gen.  R.  B 265,  32511 


PAGE 

BACHE,  PROP.  ALEXANDER  ..........   37n 

Bailey,    Col.    S.    M  ...............   301 

Baker,   Col.   E.   D  .................  69n 

Ball's    Bluff,    Va  ...........  69,    73,    78 

Baltimore,   Md....    58,   60-61,    199, 

215.   327- 
Banks,   Gen.   N.   P  ----    58-61,  8511, 

147-149,    168. 
Bard,  Capt.  J.  P  ----   30,  92n,  109, 


152,    is6n,    i65 

256,    261,    294,    306-307,    314- 

3i6n,   332n. 
Barnes,    Gen.    James  .............   265 

Barton,  Gen.  James  ..............   159 

Bath,   N.   Y  .....................   253n 

Bayard,   Gen.   G.    D....    s8n,    145, 

I50-i54n,     158,     162,     166-169 
Bealton   Station,   Va  .............  aSsn 

Beaver  Dam  Creek,  Va..   100,  102, 

104,     1  06,     i2on.       See     also 

Mechaniciville. 
Bedford,    Pa  ..................  43,    540 

Beeby,     Sergt.     Richard  ..........   2670 

Bell,  Maj.  F.  J  ......    11,  29,  216, 

255,  271-272,  275. 
Belle   Island,    Va  ................    143 

Belle  Plains,   Va  ..........  95,  241,  343 

Belton,    Sergt.   T.   J  .............  19-20 

Benezett,     Pa  ....................       9 

Berlin,     Md  .................  221, 

Bethesda  Church,  Va.  .8sn,  319  et 

seq.,  326,  331. 
Beverly   Ford,    Va  ............... 

457 


458 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS. 


PACK 

Biddle,  Col.  C.  J..   31,  33-34,  3711- 

38,     42,     45-46,     50-52,     56-60, 

66-67,  70,  73,  82-83. 

Biddle,    Mrs.    E.    (M.) 3411 

Birney,   Gen.    D.    B 235-236,    30311 

Bitterling,     Lieut.     Charles,    25-26, 

12711,  206. 

Blackford,   Capt.   W.  W 172 

Blair,     J.     M 10 

Blanchard,  Capt.  W.  T 10,  18, 

29,    35,    145,    157,    216,    256. 
Blett,  Lieut.  Daniel 30,  255, 

30i,   324. 

Bloody    Run,    Pa 44 

"Bob."     See  "Old  Glenco" 13 

Boonsboro,    Md 209 

Boonville,    Mo 41 

Borcke,     Heros    von 1730 

Bosley,   Private   49 

Boston,    Mass 2911 

Boughton,    Lieutenant     49 

Bowen,    J.    R 252 

Bowling    Green,    Va 313 

Boynton,   A.    H 10 

Bradford,  Pa 10 

Branch,  Gen.  L.  O'B 101 

Brandy  Station,  Va 169,   282n 

Breck,   Gen.   Samuel. ...  15  on,   157,    166 
Bresse.     See  Hartshorne,   Mrs.  A. 
Bristoe   Station,   Va 92n,    181, 

28sn-286. 
Brock  Road.     See  Wilderness. 

Brooke's    Station,    Va. 225,  227 

Brookins,    Corp.    E.    S 269-270 

Brookville,     Md 201 

Brown,    John    3 

Brown,    Priv.    W.    W i7in 

Buchanan,    Pres.    Jarnes 4 

Buckeyestown,    Md 62 

Buckingham,   Gen.   C.   P 223 

Buckland  Mills,   Va 181 

Buell,    Captain     163-166 

Buffalo,  N.  Y 25211 

Bull  Run,  Va...54,  57,  72,  78,  91, 

28sn.      See  also  Manassas.   See 

also  Second  Bull  Run. 
Burnside,   Gen.  A.   E...   202,  203, 

213-214,     223,     228-230,     237- 

238,    242-243,    292,    295,    301, 

305,  3U. 

Butler,    Dr.   Lafayette 281,  324 

Butler,  N.  S 7on 


PACK 

r,,  GEN.  J.  C 265 

Calhoun,   J.    C 2 

Cameron  &  Hamilton 25311 

Cameron,   Simon 5,   80-8 1 

Cameron,    Pa 12 

"Camp  Curtin" 16,  22,  42,  54,  60 

"Camp    McCall" 44 

"Camp  Mason  and  Dixon" 44 

"Camp  Pierpont"..    68-69,   74,   80, 

82  et  seq. 
Campbell,  Gen.  C.  F...  42,  52,  79, 

83-84. 

Carlisle,    Pa 259 

Catlett's    Station,    Va..    92n.    150, 

170  et  seq.,    176,   282n,   307. 

Cedar   Mill    Creek,    Va 152 

Cedar  Mountain,  Va..   168  et  seq.,  180 

Centerville,  Pa 44,  5411 

Centreville,  Va..   74,   184-185,  193,  282 

Ceres,   N.    Y 2550 

Chalfont,   William 27 

Chambers,  Priv.  Pusey 307 

Chambersburg,  Pa 199,  259 

Chancellorsville,   Va 2on,   23n, 

33n,   140,  245,   249. 

Chantilly,  Va 140,  175,   194,  324 

Chapel  House,   Va 254n 

Chapultepec,    Mexico 3411 

Charles    City    Cross    Roads.      See 

New  Market  Cross  Roads. 

Charlotteville,  Va 168 

Chatham,    Pa 27 

Chattanooga,  Tenn 288 

Chew,   Capt.   R.   P 158 

Chickahominy.     See  Games'  Mill. 

Christnot,  Lieut.   R.   G 324 

Churubusco,  Mexico 3411 

Clark,  Capt.  H.  E i53 

Clay,   Henry * 

Cleveland,  Pres.  Grover 7111 

Clogh Jordan,    Ireland 19" 

Cloyd's  Mountain,  Va 290 

Clusteret,  Col.  G.  P 151 

Cold    Harbor,    Va.  ,86n,    116,    317. 

See  also  Games'  Mill. 

Comfort,  Dr.  J.  J 251,  324 

Cone,  A.  P 23 

Contreas,  Mexico 34n 

Cook,   Priv.   George 80 

Cooke,  Gen.  P.  St.  G "8n 

Cooper,  Capt.  J.   H 125,   129, 

183,   185,   189-190,  210,   307. 
Corbin's     Bridge.       See     Spottsyl- 

vania  Court  Hou»c. 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  AND  PEACES. 


459 


PAGE 

Cortez,   Gen 280 

Couch,  Gen.  D.  N 2o8n,  2i7n,  237 

Cox,  Gen.  J.  D 21411 

Craig's  Meeting  House.  See  Wil 
derness. 

Crampton's  Gap.  See  South 
Mountain. 

Craven,  Capt.  J.  W 254 

Crawford,  Gen.  S.  W...  260,  265- 
266,  273,  275,  279,  286,  289, 
293-294,  297,  3om,  303,  305, 
307,  312,  318-319,  326-327. 

Crook,  Gen.  George 290 

Cross  Keys,  Va..  140,  isgn,  162 
et  seq.,  167. 

Crouch,  Dr.  D.  0 240,  251 

Gulp,  Liettt.  J.  A 20 

Culpepper,  Va 222,  278,  290 

Culver,  C.  D 25 

Cumberland,  Md 42,  45-46,  54n-ss 

Gumming,  Gov.  Alfred 3211 

Cummings,   Col.   R.   P 241 

Curtin,  Gov.  A.  G. . .  5-9,  14-17, 
22,  39,  42,  55,  57-58,  61,  65, 
67n,  81-82,  138-140,  142,  201, 
220,  239n,  250,  279,  328-329. 
"Curtin,  Camp."  See  "Camp  Cur- 
tin." 

Curwensville,   Pa 29-3on,  2$6n 

Custer,  Gen.  G.  A 36n 

Cutler,  Gen.  Lysander...  300,  314,  319 

DALE,  LIEUT.  D.  C 30,   105,   109 

Danville,    Va 86n,    32511 

Darnestown,   Md 66n 

Davidson,    "Yankee" 247 

Davis,  Priv.  A.   S 269-270 

Davis,  Gen.  J.  R 262n 

Davis,  Jefferson....    3,    H4n,    I2sn-i26n 

De  Beck,  Priv.  G.  C 164 

Deerfield,   Pa 18 

Dickenson,  W.  W 20 

Difficult  Creek,  Va 68,  90 

Dispatch  Station,  Va 98-99,   116 

Dixon,  Lieut.  E.  P 27,  71 

Dixon,    Enoch 27 

Doan,  Lieut.  J.  B 27 

Donolson,  J.  F 23 

Doubleday,  Gen.  Abner 211,  231 

Doyle,  Priv.  John 132 

Dranesville,  Va. . .  ign,  22n,  24n, 
28n-2gn,  33n,  37n,  s8n,  68, 
72  et  seq.,  84,  91,  140,  146, 
280,  320,  331. 


Dunbar,  Maj.  Joseph 20 

Duncannon,   Pa i9-2in,  25311 

EARLY,  GEN.  J.  A 135,   185 

East  Mauch  Chunk,   Pa 24 

Easton,   Capt.  Hezekiah 73,   76-79 

Edenburg,    Va I52 

Edward's   Ferry,   Va 26on 

Eickhoff,    George 35 

Eldred,   Capt.  J.   A...    10,    12,    18, 

21,   35.   71- 

Eldred,  Hon.  N.  E 12 

Elkland,  Pa 18-19 

Elliott,  Aaron  G 24n 

Elm  Run,   Va 92n 

Elmira,  N.  Y I9 

Elzy,   Gen.  Arnold 162 

Emerson,  R.  W 32n 

Emporium,   Pa 7in 

Ent,  Gen.  W.  H 79,  3om 

Eversham,  E.  W 27 

Ewell,    Gen.   R.    S 149,    is6n, 

159,      162,     21 1-2 12,     258-259, 

309,  318,  320. 

FAIR  OAKS,  VA 98 

Fairfax,    Va.  .    169,    193,    246,   248, 

250,  282n. 

Falls  Church,  Va 9O 

Falmouth,   Va...   92,    148,    177-179, 

225,   227-228,   241. 

Farmington,  Pa 18 

Fayetteville,  Va 225,  27811 

Ferrero,  Gen.  Edward 309 

Field,  Gen.  C.  W loan,  107,  12911 

Fine,  Corp.  G.  W 10 

Fisher,  Gen.  J.  W. .    52,   224,  260, 

289,  319. 

Five  Forks,  Va 325n 

Flint,    Mich 253n 

Fort  Donelson,  Tenn 87,  288-289 

Fort  Henry,  Tenn 62,  87,  288 

Fort  Sumter,   S.  C 4 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va 63,  87,   170 

Franklin,  Gen.  W.   B . . . .   202-203, 

2o8n,  214,  223,  229-231,  238. 
Frazier's  Farm.     See  New  Market 

Cross  Roads. 
Frederick,   Md..    198-199,   202-203, 

259,   260-261. 
Fredericksburg,  Va. .  28n,  3on-3in, 

92-93,    137,    140,    I47-M9,    166, 

177,    i82n,    223,    225,    22ff    et 

seq.,  25211,  259,  280. 


460 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS. 


Freeman,  Mrs.  L.  A.    (R.) 36n 

Freeman,  Dr.   S.   D 36,  79,   251 

Fremont,    Gen.    J.    C...     149,    151- 

*53,    157,    162,    165-168. 

French,  Gen.  W.  H 118,  237,  277 

"French      Frank."        See      Gruay, 

Francis. 

Front  Royal,  Va 149-150,   161 

Frostburg,   Md 47 

Furnaces,    The.      See    Wilderness. 

GAINES,  GEN.  E.  P i7n 

Gaines'    Mill,    Va.  .     i9n-2on,    24n, 

logn,     112    et    seq.,    115,     122, 

I36n,    140,    167,   253n. 

Gainesville,  Va 181,   184-185,  222 

Gallagher,  Col.  T.  F.  . . .   201,  204,  206 
Gettysburg,    Pa....    2on,    23*1-2411, 

28n,  33n,  8sn,  140,  25in,  254n- 

2s6n,    258    et    seq.,    283,    287, 

330. 
Gibbon,  Gen.  John.. 206,  229,  231, 

235,    303- 
Gifford,  Capt.   L.  W 70,    145, 

i54n,    i57n,  216,   254. 

Gist,    Gov 3 

"Glencoe."     See  "Old  Glencoe." 
Glendale.     See  New  Market  Cross 

Roads. 

Goose  Creek,  Va 27811 

Gordon,  Hon.  J.  G 7 

Gordonsville,    Va 169 

Graham.      See    Irvin,    Mrs.    E.    A. 
Grant,   Gen.   U.    S 87,    18711, 

286-292,  295-299,   302-306,  308, 

311,   313-314,   316-317,  333. 

Gray's  Bottom,  Mrs.,  Va 227 

Greeley,    Horace 320. 

Gregg,    Gen.   Maxcy 233,  239 

Grier,  Judge  R.  C 32n 

Griffin,   Gen.    Charles. .    loSn-iogn, 

295.   3oo,  314,   318-319. 
Groveton,    Va. .    140,    177,    182    et 

seq.,    189-190. 
Gruay,   Priv.    Francis....    38n,    239-240 

Guineys  Station,  Va 311 

See    also    Spottsylvania    Court 
HPUSC. 
Guthrie,  Priv.   S.  E 10 

HAINES,  CAPT.  T.  R 153 

Hall  &  Kaul 7m 

Hall,   Capt.   Chandler 27,  71 

Hall,  Lieutenant 167 


PAGE 

Hall,  Priv.  E).  J 369-27011 

Hall,  Lieut.   R.  D 254 

Hall,    Lieut.    Robert 254,275 

Halleck,  Gen.   H.  W...    i97n,  219, 

221,  29on. 

Hamilton.  See  Cameron  &  Ham 
ilton. 

Hamilton,  Va 222 

Hamlin,   Hon.   B.   D 9,   la 

Hancock,  Gen.  W.  S..  237,  264- 
265,  273,  289,  295-296,  301, 
304,  314-316,  318. 

Hanover,  Va 148,  317-318 

Hardie,  Gen.  J.  A 230 

Hardin,  Gen.  M.  D..  242,  307- 
308,  312-314,  318-319. 

Hardy,  Priv.  Ross 26611 

Harper's  Ferry,   W.   Va 41,  58- 

59,     150,     199-200,     202,     208- 
209,   219. 
Harris"    Farm.      See    Spottsylvania 

Court  House. 

Harrisburg,  Pa.  .  16,  19-20,  22-23, 
25-27,  2gn,  31,  54,  59-60,  8sn, 
201,  259,  323,  327.  See  also 
"Camp  Curtin." 

Harrison,  Pres.  W.  H 5 

Harrisonburg,  Va..  28n-2gn,  33n, 
7  in,  92n,  140,  149,  153  et 
seq.,  162-163,  167,  324. 
Harrison's  Landing,  Va..  3711, 
122,  134,  135,  136  et  seq., 
168,  177- 

Harrower,  Col.  G.  T 25211 

Harrower,  Adjt.  J.  G.  . .    18-19,  62,  252 

Hartman,  Rev.  Daniel 20 

Hartranft,  Gov.  J.  F 86n 

Hartshorne,  Mrs.  A.   (B.) 86n 

Hartshorne,  Gen.  W.  R..  30,  46, 
71,  8s-86n,  109-110,  207,  211, 
216,  220,  250-251,  256n,  267- 
268n,  271-272,  279,  286,  290, 
292-294,  297,  300,  302,  310, 
3I4-3I5.  319-320,  324-325- 
Hatton,  Rev.  W.  H.  D..  36,  85, 
119,  133,  2ion,  252. 

Hays,  Gen.  Alexander 273 

Hazlett,  Lieut.  R.   C 265 

Hendrickson,    Mr 50 

Henson's  Mill,  Va 181 

Herring,   Colonel 3°* 

Herring  Creek,  Va 137 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  AND  PLACES. 


461 


PAOX 

Hill,   Gen.   A.  P 100-101,    107, 

116-117,    125,     185,    232,    238, 

258. 
Hill,  Gen.  D.  H 107-108,    116, 

i32n,  200. 

Hitchcock,    Mr 10 

Hitchcock,    Miss 10 

Hokendauqua,    Pa z6n 

Holland,   Capt.   Philip..    18-19,   35, 

113-114,     128,     216,     2S2n-253, 

34211. 

Holmes,   Corp.    F.    C iSSn 

Hood,  Gen.  J.  B 118,  213,  264-265 

Hooker,   Gen.  Joseph..    125,    i28n, 

i32n,    184,    202-203,    209,   211, 

213,    223,    229,    237-238,    243, 

249,  258-260. 

Hoover,    Sergt.    Lewis 30 

Hopewell,  Pa 43,   54n 

Horton,   Maj.   E.   S 86n 

Howard,  Gen.  O.  0 237,  262 

Hoyt,   Gov.   H.   M 86n 

Humphreys,  Gen.  A.  A 2i7n,  237 

Humphreys,   Dr.  W.  T 251 

Hunt,  Gen.  H.  J 122,  272 

Hunter,  Sergt.  W.  C 324 

Hunter's  Mills,  Va 68,  90 

Huntingdon,  Pa 43,  54 

Hyattstown,   Md 62 

IRVIN,  PRIV.  AUSTIH 246 

Irvin,  Col.  E.  A..  18,  29,  30,  3in, 
35,  46-49,  8sn,  101,  103-105, 
109,  114,  183-184,  186,  205- 
207,  216,  220,  227,  239,  250, 
256. 

Irvin,   Mrs.   E.   A.   (G.) 3in 

Irvin,  Mrs.  J.  P 30,   i82n 

JACKMAN,  GEN 15 

Jackson,  Pres.  Andrew 2 

Jackson,  Gen.  C.  F. .  76-77,  142, 
178,  187,  224. 

Jackson,  Priv.  Henry 240,  25in 

Jackson,   Col.   S.  M 3oin 

Jackson,  Gen.  T.  J..  93,  98,  100- 
101,  no,  116,  125,  i44-i45n, 
147,  149-152,  162,  166-170, 
180-182,  184-185,  187,  189, 
I94n,  200,  211,  222,  232,  235, 
238. 

Jackson,  Miss 289 

Jefferson,    Md 62 

Jenkins,  Gen.  A.  G 259n 


PAGE 

Jenkins,   Lieut.  O.   D 71,  239 

Jenkins,  Lieut.  W.  B 10,  21,  239 

Jewett,  Adjt.  J.  T.  A...  22,  36- 
38n,  86,  101-102,  216,  254. 

Johnson,  Gen.  B.  T 156,  159-161 

Johnson,   Mrs.    B.    T 15911 

Johnson,   Gen.    Edward 33n,  304 

Johnson,  Gen.  J.  E 34n,  289 

Jones,   Dr.    W.    B 251 

Jordan,  Priv.  Lewis i7in,  240 

KANE,  DR.  E.  K 12,  33n 

Kane,  Dr.   E.   D.    (W.) . .   6n,  33n,   146 

Kane,  Judge  J.  K 32n 

Kane,  Gen,  T.  L«-  5-17,  21-22, 
24,  26,  28-29n,  31-35,  3711- 
38,  42,  46-53,  60,  68-7in,  73- 
75.  77-79H,  82-84,  92-93.  140, 
145-146,  148,  150-151,  153-158, 
161,  163,  167,  170,  172-174, 
176,  254n. 

Kane,   Maj.  T.   L 32n 

Karge,   Col.  Joseph 150,    issn 

Kaul.     See  Hall  &  Kaul. 
Kearney,    Gen.    Philip..    34n,    125, 
130,   i32n,   135,   184,   i94n. 

Keiser,  Lieut.  P.   E 253 

Kelley    (Guide) 48 

Kelley's   Ford,    Va 179 

Kelly,  Priv.  Martin gzn,  154-155 

Kelsey,    Capt 48 

Kennett  Square,  Pa 27 

Kepner,  W.  H 328 

Kerns,  Capt.  Mark 107,  125,  129 

Kernstown,    Va 147 

Keyser,  W.  Va 46n 

King,    Corporal 1 30 

King,  Gen.  Rufus 184,  186 

Kinsey,  Maj.  N.  B..    19,   137,   142, 

207,   253,   267-268,   275,   324. 

Kitching,   Col.   C.  H 305,  319 

Klotz,   Hon.    Robert 25 

Knoxville,  Pa 18 

Kratzer,  Capt.  J.  E. .  48,  256,  268, 

270,   272,   275,   310,   324. 

LANDREGAN,  JAMES 1 1 

Lane,  Gen.  J.  H 232-233,  239 

Langley,   Va 68 

Larrimer,  Maj.  J.  H 234 

Laurel  Hill.  See  Spottsylvania 
Court  House. 

Lawrence,  Hon.   S.  M 7,   17 

Lawrenceville,   Pa....    18-19,    25 


462 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS. 


PAGE 

Leach.     See  Truman,   Mrs.   M.   P. 
Lee,    Gen.    R.    K-.    98,    100,    107- 
108,     116-117,     i24-i26n,     129, 
i32n,    I34-I35H,     141,    168-169, 
189,    ip4n,    198-200,    202,    207- 
209,     211,     214-215,     217,    258- 
259,     262,     275,    277-279,     281- 
284,      288,      290-292,      295-297, 
299,     304-305,     308,     311,     313, 
315-318,    32sn,   333. 
Lee,  Gen,  W.  H.  F  ..............    171 

Leesboro,    Md  ...................   201 

Leesburg,  Va  ........   68,  74,   198,  260 

Leonard,   Lieut.   E-  0  ............   253 

Lewis,  Capt.  T.  B  ............  86,  253 

Libby  Prison  ....................     24n 

Lilly,  Hon.  William  ..............      25 

Lincoln,   Pres.  Abraham.  .  .    3-6,  9, 
65,    87,    89,    92,    138,    148-149, 
220-221. 
Lindley,  N.  Y  ...................   25211 

Lisbon,    Md  .....................   201 

Lock  Haven,   Pa  ..............    14,  21 

Longstreet,  Gen.  James..   108,  116, 
i25-i26n,    i32n,    169-170,    180, 

l82,      184,      187,      189,     222,     258- 
259,    280,    292. 

Looney,  Corp.  John  ..............   234 

Lovettsville,    Va  .............   221,  27811 

Lucore,  Lieut.  M.  W  ........   254,  324 

Ludlow,  Lieut.   G.  A  ........   254,  270 

Lurray,  Va  ......................    149 

Luther,  Lieut.  J.  L  ..............   255 


GEN.   G.   A..    17-18,   35, 
38,    55-56,    58,    65,    68-70,    73, 
75n,    77-78,    80-81,    93-94,    98- 
101,      106-107,      109-112,      116, 
123,     125-132,     135,     141,    145- 
147. 
McCalmont,   Col  J.   S  ..........  ,  .     66 

McCandless,  Col.  William  ____   no, 

127,  224,   233n-235n,  241,  260, 
266n,  27in,  273,  289,  300. 

McClellan,  Gen.  G.  B..  41,  65,  68- 
69,  72,  78,  87,  89,  91-93, 
96-99,  no,  116-117,  120-124, 

128,  134-135,      137-139,      I4i» 
144-149,      167-168,      195,      197, 
199-200,    202,     2o6n-2o7,     209, 
211,     213-215,     217,     219-223, 
2900,  298. 


PAGE 

McCoy,  Gen.   R.  A 30 in,  302,  316 

McDonald,    Capt.    Hugh..    18,    26- 

27,     35,     MS,     i63-i6sn,     216, 

22on,  275,  314,  331. 

McDonald,  Colonel 47-48 

McDowell,  Gen.   Irvin..    56,  89-93, 

97n,     147-151,     168-169,     I75n» 

180-182,   184-185,  187,  193. 

McElhaney,  Priv.  John 163 

McGee,    Capt.    Dennis....    25-26n, 

207,     2ion-2ii,     215-216,     254- 

255- 

McGladden,   William 2i7n 

Mclntosh,  Corp.  G.  H 25 

Mack,  Capt.  S.  A....  24,  206-207, 

254,   269-270,   300-301. 

Mackey,  Hon.   L.  A 15 

McLaws,    Gen.   Lafayette 200 

McNaughton,  Maj.  D.  G. .   37n-38, 

207,    217,    239,    254. 

McNeil,   Rev.  Archibald 3711 

McNeil,   Col.  H.  W..   22,  28n,  37, 

38n,    79n,    84-86,    92,    137-140, 

142,   i74n,    177,    i82-i83n,   185- 

186,     194,    204,    206-207,    210- 

211,   215-217,  280. 
Magilton,    Col.   A.    L--    201,    204, 

206,   212-213,   224. 

Magruder,  Gen.  J.  B 120 

Malone,   Priv.    Thomas 17111 

Malvern  Hill,  Va 122,  134  et  seq. 

Manassas,    Va 89,    91-92,    147, 

169,     181-182,     184-185.       See 

also  Bull  Run.    See  also  Second 

Bull  Run. 

Manassas  Gap,   Va 149,  278n 

Mansfield,  Gen.  J.  K.  F 211,  213 

Mason.      See    "Camp    Mason    and 

Dixon." 

Marietta,    Pa 2ssn 

Marker.     See   Stone,    Mrs.    M.    K 

(M.). 

Marsh,  Dr.  N.  F i32n 

Martindale,  Gen.  J.  H io8n 

Martinsburg,   W.   Va 199^200 

Mather.    See  Biddle,  Mrs.  E.  (M.) 

Mathews,    Captain 175 

Mattison,   G.  W am 

Mauch    Chunk,    Pa 24-25 

Maxwell,  Lieut.  Robert...  27,  255,  3*9 


INDEX  To  NAMES  AND  PLACES. 


463 


PAGE 

Meade,  Gen.  G.  G..  3311,  66-6;n, 
94,  112,  125,  130,  14211,  178- 
180,  182,  185-187,  189-190, 

193-194,      201,     206,     2O9,     211- 

21311,     215,     219-220,     224-226, 

231-233,     235-236,     23811-241, 

260-262,      273,     277-285,      287, 

289-290,   298,   312. 

Meagher,  Gen.  T.  F 118,   130 

Mechanicsville,    Va ign,   24n, 

3on,  8sn,  96  et  seq.,   112,   115, 

I2on,     122,     136,     140,     256n, 

280,  317. 

Mexico,   City  of 34n 

Meyers,  Priv.  John 26n 

Middletown,   Md 203,  2;8n 

Miles,    Col.    D.    S 199 

Miles,  Gen.  N.  A 23n 

Milford,   Pa 2in 

Miller,  Private 49 

Milroy,   Gen.   R.   H 163,   166, 

185,   I93n,  259. 
Mine  Run,   Va..   278,  283  et  seq., 

290,  295. 

Molino  del  Rey,  Mexico 34n 

Moore,   Corp.   W.  W 143 

Morrell,  Gen.  G.  W io8n,   116-118 

Morris,   Col.  J.   D 86n 

Morristown,  N.  J 23n 

Mosby,    Col.   J.    S i7in,    i73n- 

i74n,  246-248,  286. 

Moses,   S.  H 2i7n 

Mt.  Jackson,  Va 161,   167 

Mt.  Lake  Park,  Md 2ssn 

Mountain  Ford,  Va 282n 

Mulligan,   Lieut.   Hugh 26 

Munford,  Col.  T.  F 158 

Mutzabaugh,  Sergt.  J.  W 19 

NAPOLEON  1 225 

Nelson,  Pa 18 

Nelson's  Farm.     See  New  Market 

Cross  Roads. 

New   Baltimore,   Va 222,  282n 

New  Bridge,  W.  Va 140 

New  Creek,  W.  Va. . . .  46,  48,  57, 

146,    170. 

New  Market,   Va 161 

New    Market    Cross    Roads,    Va.. 

ign,    23n,     122    et    seq.,    136, 

140,   252^253,  280,   324. 

New  York,  N.  Y 29n,  37n 

Newport,  Ky agn 


Niles,  Col.  A.  E  ----   13,  18,  23-24, 

35,     75,     77-79,     90,      H3""4, 
207,  216,   22on,   250,  254,   267, 
271,   275,   279,   286. 
Niles,   Mrs.  A.    (A.)  .............     34n 

Norris,  Lieut.  J.  H  ..............      30 

North  Anna  River,  Va..   8sn,  311, 

313  et  seq.,  321. 
Norwich,    Pa  ....................     7011 

Ny      River.        See      Spottsylvania 
Court  House. 

"Ou>   GLENCOE"  .................     13 

Olean,  N.  Y  .....................     7011 

Orcutt,    Lieut.    Daniel  .......    253,  301 

Ord,  Gen.  E.  O.  C..   70,  73-78,  81,  94 
Orleans,    Va  .....................   278n 

Osceola,    Pa  .....................      18 

Oswego,  N.  Y  ..............   37n,  252n 

Overton,    Capt.    G.    B  ............      18 

Ox  Hill.     See  Chantilly. 

PACKER,  HON.  ASA  ...............     35 

Palmer,  Mass  ....................     290 

Parker's    Store.      See    Wilderness. 
Parkhurst,   Kasson  ...............   253n 

Pattee,  Gen.  J.  B  ................    32511 

Patterson,   Gen.   Robert  ........    14,  41 

Pattison,    Gov.   R.   E  .............     86n 

Patton,   Capt.  H.   D..   36,   102-103, 

no,  132,  252,  25sn. 
Pemberton,  Gen.  J.  C  ............   289 

Petersburg,   Va  ..................   255n 

Pettigrew,   Gen.  J.  J  .............   273 

Philadelphia,  Pa...   2on,  2  in,  24n, 


Philipsburg,    Pa  ..................    25$n 

Pickett,  Gen.  G.  E  ..........   273,  275 

Piedmont,  W.  Va  ........   46-48,  50-53 

Pierpont.     See  "Camp  Pierpont." 
Pilsen,   Col.  John  ................    166 

Piney  Branch  Church.    See  Spotts- 

sylvania  Court  House. 
Plattsburg,  N.   Y  ............    22n,   2411 

Pleasonton,    Col.   Alfred  ..........   222 

Po      River.        See      Spottsylvania 

Court  House. 
Point  Lookout,  Md  ..............     240 

Point  of  Rocks,  Md  ..............     62 

Pope,    Gen.   John..    137,    144-145^ 

147,     168,     170-171,     i73"-i74, 

177,      179-182,      184-185,      187, 

189,    193^195,    I97n. 


464 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS. 


PAGE 

Port  Republic,  Va 162,  166-167 

Porter,  Gen.   Fitz-John 14,  99. 

io8n,     in-112,     114-117,     119, 
i37»  185-187,  190-191,   i93n- 

Porto  Rico 2311 

Pryor,  Gen.   R.   A i32n 

RANDOL,  LIEUT.  A.  M 125,   129 

Ransom,  Capt.  D.   R 183,   193,  212 

Rappahannock  Station,   Va.  .  .    179- 

180,   278n,   282n. 

Rattlesnake  Falls,  Pa 14 

Rauch,  Capt.  E.  H 25 

Rauch,    Sergt.   W.   H..    2611,    15911, 

226,   239n,   248n. 
Reisdorph.     See  Freeman,  Mrs.  L. 

Reno,  Gen.  J.  L 184,  202-203,  206 

Republic  City,  Kan 2^6n 

Reynolds,   Gen.  J.    F.  .    66,   77,   93- 

94,     98,     107,     109,     112,     115, 

119,     141,     178,     181-187,     189- 

194,     201,     223,      231,     236,      260, 

262-263^  280. 

Rice,   L,ieut.   B.  A n,  29,  256 

Richmond,  Va..  87,  89,  91,  93,  96- 

100,    106,    no,    121,    i32n,    137, 

143,      148,      167-168,      222-223, 

286,  288,  290,  325n. 
Ricketts,    Gen.    J.    P...     i7on,    182, 

184,   211,  213. 

Ridgeville,   W.   Va 51 

Ridgway,    Pa 10 

Robb,   John 104 

Roberts,   Col.   R.   B 141,  201,   2i3n 

Robertson's  Tavern,    Va 284 

Robinson,  Gen.  J.   C 300 

Romney,    W.    Va 41,    45-46,    51-52 

Roney,  Lieut.  T.  J 255,  275 

Rosecrans,  Gen.  W.  S 51,  279 

Rosengarten,   Maj.   J.   G 262 

Ross,   Sergt.  J.  F 3*5 

Roumfort,   Mayor 329 

Russell,    Gen.   A.    L 81 

Ryan,  Corp.  T.  H 160 

SACKETT'S  SAW  MILLS,  PA 13 

Sage,  C.  H 10 

Saginaw,    Mich 254n 

St.  Clair,  General 248 

St.   Mary's,   Pa 10,    7m 

Salem,    Va 181 

Salient,     The.      See    Spottsylvania 
Court  House. 


PAGE 

Salisbury,  Va 86n,  3250 

Sandy  Hook,   Md 59,   61-62,   67 

Savage  Station,  Va..    no,   122-123,   125 

Schenck,  Gen.  R.  C 163,   185-186 

Schriver,  Gen.  Edward 150 

Schurz,  Gen.  Carl i7S« 

Scott,  Gen.  Winfield 34".  42,  55 

Second  Bull  Run..  3on,  37n,  8sn, 
140,  i45n,  147,  173,  174  e* 
seq.,  176,  189  et  seq.,  25211. 

Sedgwick,    Gen.    John 213,    284, 

289,   295-296,   301. 

Seward,    Blatchf ord 37n 

Seward,  W.   H 37n 

Seymour,   Gen.   Truman 93'94» 

108-109,  112,  115,  117",  I25. 
130,  132,  134-135.  J37.  M1" 
142,  178,  187,  201,  203-206, 
209-213,  220,  223. 

Shady   Grove   Church,    Va 318 

Sharp,  E.   W 27 

Sharpe,  Col.  A.  P 7Sn 

Sharpsburg,  Md 157",  208-209, 

219.     See  also  Antietam. 

Shelmire,    Capt.    J.    H 1 53 

Shepherdstown,   W.   Va 259 

Sheridan,  Gen.  P.  H 3^7,   325n 

Sherman,    Conger 25 in 

Sherman,  Adjt.  Roger..  133,  144, 
207,  250,  25in. 

Sherman,  Gen.  W.  T 288 

Sherwood,  Henry 23 

Sherwood,  Capt.  Julius 18 

Shields,   Gen.   James 147^149, 

162,    166-167. 

Sickel,   Gen.  H.   G 241 

Sickles,   Gen.  D.   E 264-265,  274n 

Sigel,  Gen  Franz..  149,  175".  *8i- 
182,  184-186. 

Simmons,    Col.    S.    G 42,    56, 

102,    109,    125,    127,    130. 

Sinclair,   Col.   William 224,  233 

Sinnamahoning  Creek,    Pa 12 

Slifer,  Eli 7,  9n 

Slocum,  Gen.  H.  W "7 

Smethport,  Pa 8,  n,  7°n 

Smith,    Col.    L.   W 75 

Smithfield,    Va 229 

Snow  Shoe,  Pa 25Sn 

South  Mountain,  Md...  3in>  37". 
8sn,  140,  197,  202,  et  seq.,  221, 
227,  24on,  252n,  2s6n,  277, 
280. 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  AND  PLACES. 


465 


PAGE 

Sparks,  Lieut.  A.  J 27 

Sparr,  Lieut.  J.   R 253,  275 

Spottswood,   Cov.  Alexander 291 

Spottsylvania  Court  House...  8511, 

25411,    299   et   seq.,   326. 

Stafford    Court    House,    Va 225 

Stahel,   Gen.  Julius 151,    163, 

i6sn-i66. 

Stanton,   E.   M g8n,    140,    148 

Steele,  Maj.  Theophilus 86n 

Stevens,  Thaddeus 5 

Stewart,   Gen.    G.   H 304 

Stone,  Gen.  C.  P 6gn 

Stone,  Mrs.  M.   E.    (M.) 23n 

Stone,  Gen.   Roy..    18,   2on-22,   31, 

35.     37-38n,     42,     99,     101-103, 

106,     109-110,     112-115,     11711- 

I2on,    127-128,    130-133,    i35n, 

137-139,   i4in,  249,  324. 

Stone,  Gov.  W.  A 252n 

Stoughton,  Gen.  E.  H 246 

Strasburg,  Va 149-151,    161 

Strickler,    H.    H 75n 

Stuart,   Gen.  J.   E.   B 73,    76n, 

78,     99n,      170-171,      I73n-i74. 

181,   202,   221,   232n. 

Sturgis,  Gen.  S.  D 168,  237 

Sudley    Springs,    Va 183,   191 

Sulphur  Springs,  Va 180 

Sumner,    Gen.    E.    V..     125,    213, 

219,    223,    228-230,    237-238. 
Sumter.     See   Fort   Sumter. 

Sunbury,  Pa 1 6 

Susquehanna  River,  West  Branch 

13,   14- 

Swayne,   Lieut.   J.  J 27,   71,    157 

Sykes,  Gen.  George..   116-117,  237, 

260,  273,  284. 

TAGGART,  COL.  J.  H 109 

Talley,   Col.   W.   C 301 

Taylor,    Bayard 27n,-28n 

Taylor,  Col.  C.  F..  27,  8sn,  145, 
I56-i57,  163,  170,  216,  220, 
227,  233-234,  239,  248n,  250, 
255,  266-271,  275-276,  280. 

Taylor,   H.   W 27 

Taylor,  Joshua 27 

Taylor,  The  Misses 28n 

Taylor,   Lieut.   William 254,    286 

Taylor,   Pres.   Zachary 5,    ijn 

Tenallytown,  D.  C 65 

Thomas,  Gen.  G.  H 60,  63,  288 

Thomas,  Gen.  L 57 


Thompson,   Captain 175 

Thompson,  Maj.  J.   B...    274,   276,  324 

Thompson,  Col.  W.   S 130 

Thoroughfare  Gap,  Va.  ..  181-182, 
222. 

Tioga,   Pa 33 

Todd's  Tavern.  See  Spottsylvania 
Court  House.  See  Wilder 
ness. 

Trimble,  Gen.   I.   R i62-i65n,   212 

Trout,   Capt.   A.   J 50 

Trowbridge,  A.  S 53 

Truman,    Asa asan 

Truman,  Lieut.  Lucius...  24,  207, 
252,  256,  324. 

Truman,  Mrs.  M.  P.   (L.) 2$2n 

Tunstall's    Station,    Va 99 

Turkey      Point.        See     Harrison's 

Landing. 

Turner's  Gap.  See  South  Moun 
tain. 

Twitchell,    Captain 175 

Tyrone,    Pa 30 

UNION,  VA 222 

Uniontown,  M'd 261 

Upton,    Col.    Emory 303 

Urbana,    Va 87 

VAN  RENSSALAER,  GEN.   ROBERT...     32n 

Vicksburg,    Miss 287-289 

Vienna,    Va 2600 

Vincent,  Col.  Strong 265 

Vogel,    Sergt.    Conrad 25 

Von   Borcke.     See  Borcke. 

WADSWORTH,   GEN.   J.   S 239 

Walker,  Gen.  J.   B 200 

WTallace,   Gen.   Lewis....    41-42,   45,   55 

Ward,   Lieut.   R.   F 142,   239, 

256,    269,   27on. 

Warner,  Lieut.  R.  B 21 

Warren,  Gen.  G.  K 265,  284, 

289,  292,     295,     299-303,    305- 
306,  313-316,  3i8. 

Warren,   Pa 2i-22n,     3711 

Warrenton,  Va 180-181,   222,   28an 

Washington,  D.  C..  24n,  3711,  57- 
59,  7in-73,  87,  89,  97n,  137, 
144,  147-149,  168,  177,  181, 
195,  197,  199-200,  215,  222, 
24on,  243,  245,  256n,  259,  287, 

290,  327. 

Watertown,  N.  Y 25311 


466 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BUCKTAILS. 


PACK 

Webster,    Daniel 2 

Welch,  Capt.  J.  M..   30,   104,  205, 

207,   209,   216,   256,   261. 

Welch,  James 10 

Wellsboro,  Pa 2411,  25211 

Wertz,    Aaron 25 

West,  Lieut.  J.  D 324 

West  Chester,   Pa 2711 

Westfield,    Pa 18 

Weyler's  Cave,  Va 167 

Wheatland,    Va 278n 

Whipple,  Gen.  A.  M 6gn 

White,    Captain 6gn 

White,   James 27 

White,   Judge  R.   T 23 

White  Chapel,  Va 284 

White  House,  Va..   89,  95,  97-100, 

no,    121,    148,    327. 

White  Oak  Swamp,  Va 122,   124 

White  Plains,  Va 222 

White  Ridge,  Va 92n,  225 

Whitney,    Nelson 23 

Wickersham,   B.   F 27 

Wilderness,    The..    23n,    8sn,    287 

et  seq.,   326. 

Williams,  Judge  H.   W 23 

Williamsburg,   Va 97 

Williamsport,    Md 259,  277 

Williamsport,   Pa 19 

Willis,    Lieutenant 15511 


PAGE 

Willis   Church.      See   New   Market 

Cross   Roads. 

Wilson,  Judge  S.  F 23 

Winchester,  Va 149-150,  259 

Winder,  Gen.    C.    S 150 

Winslow,    Cobe 10 

Winslow,   Lieut.   T.    B 10,   26, 

86,    164,    171,   239,   256. 

Wisner,    Dr 360 

Wister,    John 20 

Wister,    Gen.    Langhorne...    19-20, 

23".     35.     So,     101-102,     10911, 

113-114,     ii9-i2on,     132,     138- 

141,  216,  249,  253. 
Wolfe,   Maj.   J.   A..    10,   86,    i52n- 

i53>    156,    i6sn,   254-25sn,  271, 

306-307,    314-315.    324- 
Wood.     See  Kane,  Dr.  E.  D.  (W.) 

Woodruff,  Priv.  Hiram 9 

Woodstock,    Va 151 

Worth,    General i?n 

Wright,  Capt.   Ernest...    225,   255,   324 

Wright,    Priv.    Frank i7in 

Wright,  Gen.  H.  G 318 

Wyndham,  Col.  Percy i52-i54n 

YEAGER,  LEONARD 25 

Yerkes,  Maj.  J.  D 27,  71,  255,  275 

Yorktown,   Va 96 

Young,    Brigham    32n 


'-) 


CORRIGENDA    ET    ADDENDA. 


Pages  11  and  29  for  "Bruce  B.  Rice"  read  "Bruce  A.  Rice." 

Page  20  for  "haverlocks"  read  "havelocks." 

Page  20  add  note  "Belton  though  elected  was  never  commissioned. 

Page  30  for  "Daniel  G.  Blett"  read  "Daniel  Blett" 

Page  37  for  "Aubury"  read  "Auburn." 

Page  44  for  "Mason  and  Dixey"  read  "Mason  and  Dixon." 

Pages  45,  59   and  254  for  "Minnie"  read  "Minie." 

Page  92  for  "Bristow"  read  "Bristoe" 

Page  101  line  14  for  "cavalry  were"  read  "cavalry  was." 

Pages  107,  108  and  116  for  "D.  P.  Hill"  read  "D.  H.  Hill." 

Pages  107,  125  and  129  for  "Kern's"  read  "Kerns'." 

Pages  125,  129  for  "Randall's"  read  "Randol's." 

Page  129  for  "Randall"   read  "Randol." 

Page  161  line  4  for  "their  opponents"  read  "its  opponents." 

Page  163  for  "Trimble's  division"  read  "Trimble's  brigade." 

Page  170  line  1  for  "their  pleasure"  read  "the  men's  pleasure." 

Page  175  line  15  for  "they  moved"  read  "the  four  companies  moved. 

Page  190  for  "Reynold's"  read  "Reynolds'." 

Page  193  line  19  for  "joined  them"  read  "joined  it." 

Page  199  for  "General  Miles"  read  "Colonel  Miles." 

Pages  211  and  213  for  "Rickett's"  read  "Ricketts'." 

Page  252  for  "John  A.  Harrower"  read  "John  G.  Harrower." 

Page  253  line  14  for  "1899"  read  "1889." 

Page  254  line  31  for  "dates  of"  read  "date  of." 

Page  268  line  10  for  "no  nothing"  read  "do  nothing." 

Pages  394  and  458  for  "E.  S.  Brookins"  read  "E.  L.  Brookins." 

Pages  278  and  459  for  "Culpepper"  read  "Culpeper." 


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